Marlins ‘in the mix’ for Mike Dunn

Mike Dunn probably won’t receive a contract comparable to the four-year, $30.5 million deal the Cardinals gave Brett Cecil. Still, according to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, that deal could determine whether Dunn stays with the Marlins.

The Marlins are still “in the mix” for Dunn, according to Frisaro, but the organization is clearly focused on upgrading its starting rotation.

Dunn, 31, had an effective 2016 season with the Marlins, pitching to a 3.40 ERA and 3.88 FIP over 42.1 innings last season. He’s pitched to a career 3.54 ERA and has been used in several different situations with the Marlins.

After acquiring Dunn from the Braves in the Dan Uggla deal, the Marlins used him as a middle relief and setup option. He has proven to be versatile and is capable of pitching more than one inning in each outing.

Miami has been hesitant to express interest in signing left-handed specialists, and Dunn is the prototypical lefty the club has tended to pursue. He can get both right and left-handed hitters out consistently.

It’s unlikely the Marlins give Dunn a large contract, most notably because they acquired Hunter Cervenka in advance of the waiver trade deadline. However, the Marlins could consider carrying multiple left-handed options, and re-signing Dunn could prove to be ideal.