Marlins on Ozuna: ‘We’re not going to sell him on the low’

The Marlins are seeking starting pitching, and because the free agent market lacks many established and affordable options, the club could consider making a trade or two.

Miami doesn’t have many pieces to move, but Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna is drawing trade interest at the General Managers meetings, according to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro.

Though clubs are expressing interest in Ozuna, the Marlins expect quality pieces in return and won’t just make a deal because of their need, President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill told Frisaro.

Miami attempted to extend Ozuna in the past, and while he declined that offer, he is still a controllable piece. Ozuna is just entering his first season of arbitration.

Ozuna bounced back from an off 2015 season during which he batted .259. Over 148 games with the Marlins in 2016, Ozuna batted .266/.321/.452 with 23 home runs and 76 RBIs.

While Ozuna could be a valuable trade trip for the Marlins, the organization doesn’t have much outfield depth. If the Marlins moved Ozuna, they likely would have to consider signing a free agent outfielder. Yefri Perez and Derek Dietrich are internal options.

Ozuna might be the most attractive piece, but Dietrich and Adeiny Hechavarria could also be shopped. Ozuna is likely the most valuable of that trio, though, and would yield the best return.