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Miami remains interested in upgrading its starting rotation before the non-waiver trade deadline and is considering trades for Jake Odorizzi, Drew Pomeranz and Sonny Gray, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.
Behind Jose Fernandez in the rotation, the Marlins haven’t received consistent outings from their other starters. Adam Conley was effective, but Wei-Yin Chen, who signed a five-year, $50 million last winter, didn’t have a great first half.
Tom Koehler has been inconsistent, and the Marlins have been unable to find an ideal fifth option. Justin Nicolino spent time between Miami and Triple-A New Orleans, and Paul Clemens made a pair of spot starts before being claimed by the Padres.
As the second half of the season approaches, the Marlins have to determine whether they can consider internal options before making a trade. Nicolino might be the favorite to open the second half in the rotation, but Jarred Cosart, who has been plagued by an injury in the minors, could also be called upon.
Jose Urena and Kendry Flores are other alternatives, though the Marlins might not be in a position to call upon the few top pitching prospects they have.
Jeremy Guthrie, who the Marlins signed to a minor league deal, has struggled in Triple-A since joining the club.
After acquiring Fernando Rodney, the Marlins don’t have many prospects to move as they compete with a handful of other teams seeking to upgrade their pitching staffs.
Miami has been linked to Rich Hill, though he will be a free agent this winter and is only a temporary solution. The Marlins have ideally always sought controllable pitching in trades.
Tampa Bay is expected to sell, and Odorizzi is one piece drawing a notable amount of interest. Over 104.2 innings, he’s pitched to a 4.47 ERA and 4.39 FIP.
Pomeranz is an intriguing option because he’s a lefty, though if the Marlins were truly interested, they might have added him in the Rodney trade.
Gray is a front-end of the rotation arm having a down year. Over 90.2 innings, Gray has pitched to a 5.16 ERA and 4.50 FIP.
As the deadline approaches, the Marlins have to consider how close they are to winning a World Series this year. If the organization feels like it has a better chance next season, it might be hesitant to make a trade this summer.