Marlins were in talks to acquire Shelby Miller last summer

The Marlins last summer were in talks with the Diamondbacks to acquire right-hander Shelby Miller, a deal that was likely in place to upgrade the back-end of the pitching staff, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

La Russa and Stewart make beleaguered starter Shelby Miller available at the trade deadline, seven months after acquiring him, and work out a trade with the Miami Marlins.

The Marlins, according to a Marlins executive with direct knowledge of the trade, would have sent three starting pitchers back in return

Those three pitchers could have been prospects Luis Castillo, Austin Brice and Jose Urena, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman.

It’s not a secret that the Marlins were seeking starting pitching help in advance of last year’s non-waiver trade deadline, and the package they were willing to move isn’t very notable. Urena is out of minor league options, and Castillo was shopped last summer anyway.

Miller probably wouldn’t have helped Miami’s rotation much, as he ended the season with a 6.15 ERA and 4.87 FIP over 101 innings. And he hasn’t fared much better this season, either.

The Marlins settled on Andrew Cashner, who also struggled in Miami. Colin Rea’s performance would have decided whether the deal with San Diego was worth it, but he was sent back to the Padres after getting hurt. Miami got Castillo in return and used him in the deal to acquire Dan Straily.

Regardless of what could have been, the Marlins are in a much different position now. Plagued by injuries, Miami could trade several major league pieces this summer.