Bud Norris emerging as Marlins target

Add Bud Norris to the list of starting pitchers the Marlins are interested in adding, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman.

The White Sox, Tigers and Mariners have also expressed interest in Norris, who Heyman notes has pitched to a 2.43 ERA since April.

Norris, 31, is one of the more experienced options the Marlins have been linked to in recent days. Over 63.1 innings with Atlanta this season, Norris has pitched to a 4.69 ERA and 4.13 FIP.

While it might not take as much to acquire Norris as it would to add Drew Pomeranz or Jake Odorizzi, Norris has pitched to a career 4.46 ERA and is not having as much success as either of the other two this season.

Atlanta has made clear everyone on its roster, with the exception of Freddie Freeman and potentially Julio Teheran, will be available in the coming weeks. Since the Braves seem focused on restructuring their roster entering their new stadium in 2017, it might not take much to add Norris.

Although Norris is a veteran starting option, he is unlikely the number two starter the Marlins are hoping for. Wei-Yin Chen was signed to fill that spot in the rotation but has been inconsistent to this point, posting a 5.22 ERA over 79.1 innings.

The Marlins will likely explore other starting options but don’t have many minor league pieces to move. Owner Jeffrey Loria reportedly wouldn’t mind adding to the payroll if the Marlins remain in contention, and as a result, if Norris is a target, the Marlins would have to pay the remainder of his $2.5 million salary this season.