Miami Marlins trade rumors: Jeremy Hellickson on club’s radar

Miami is continuing its search for starting pitching and has expressed interest in Phillies starter Jeremy Hellickson, according to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro.

The Marlins, one of numerous clubs seeking controllable starting help before the deadline, have also reportedly checked in on Jake Odorizzi, Matt Moore, Chris Archer, Ervin Santana and Sonny Gray.

Hellickson is having his best season since 2012 but not might be Miami’s first choice. He is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season and is making $7 million and is 29.

Over 111.2 innings with Philadelphia, Hellickson has pitched to a 4.03 ERA and 4.33 FIP. He’s pitched to a career 3.95 ERA and could be an ideal option for a rotation that features two left-handed arms.

While the Marlins tend to prefer controllable starters, a rental might be ideal given the few prospects Miami can offer. It almost certainly wouldn’t take as much to add Hellickson as it would Odorizzi, Moore or Santana.

Though the Marlins are searching for starting help, the rotation hasn’t been statistically poor compared to those of other National League teams. Miami’s rotation has pitched to a 4.26 ERA, which ranks seventh in the N.L. and 12th overall.

Miami will face Hellickson on Wednesday in Philadelphia in what could be one of his final starts in a Phillies uniform.

The Marlins are not going to overpay for a starter and they shouldn’t. However, a mid-tier starter could significantly improve the unit.