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The Marlins made their second trade as 2017 sellers Friday, sending closer AJ Ramos to the Mets for two prospects.
However, it looks the Fish are not close to done dealing their assets before this year’s July 31 trade deadline.
Multiple Marlins are receiving interest, including backup catcher A.J. Ellis, whom the Cubs are focused on, according to the Chicago Sun Times’ Gordon Wittenmeyer.
After David Ross retired and Miguel Montero was designated for assignment because of some, uh, comments, the Cubs are looking for a veteran backup catcher to play behind the red-hot Willson Contreras.
Ellis, in his age-36 season, is hitting .232 with a .641 OPS in 91 plate appearances. While he wouldn’t be a huge upgrade for the Cubs, he could be an important veteran who can contribute both offensively and defensively to a playoff run.
Despite Chicago looking like a plausible landing spot for Ellis, MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro reported that they aren’t the only team interest in the veteran backstop.
At least three clubs have interest in @Marlins A.J. Ellis. #Cubs are one but may not be a match. #TradeDeadline
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 29, 2017
That spells good news for the Marlins, who could still find a trade partner for Ellis even if the Cubs decide to back off.
While the 36 year old would only bring back a small haul of prospects to Miami, starting pitcher Dan Straily could be the crown jewel for the Marlins if they do not intend to sell any of their young and promising bats. The New York Post’s Joel Sherman reports that the team is looking to ‘maximize’ the return on the righty.
#Marlins now turn attention to try to maximize Straily, small deals for AJ Ellis (#Cubs in play) and perhaps Derek Dietrich.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 29, 2017
After it was reported Thursday that the Marlins were open to trading Straily, conflicting reports came out Friday about Miami’s plans. However, it looks like teams are still showing interest in the 28 year old. The Royals were originally linked to Straily, and multiple other contenders have shown interest in the starter.
The Brewers, Rockies and Royals are among a small group of teams interested in Marlins starter Dan Straily.
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) July 29, 2017
The Yankees are also interested in Straily.
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) July 29, 2017
Sources: #Dodgers remain optimistic they will land Darvish or Gray but have shown interest in Dan Straily as backup option. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 29, 2017
The Dodgers are obviously looking to land either Yu Darvish or Sonny Gray, who are the best two pitchers on the market, but Straily could be an interesting backup option. Straily has the worst FIP (4.38) of the three starters, but his WHIP (1.18) lines up with that of Dravish and Gray.
Straily would bring back the biggest return out of anyone the Marlins are considering trading, and the Dodgers have the farm system to get a big deal done. Pitching prospects like Yadier Alvarez and Mitchell White could be big pieces for Miami’s future if they could pry them from Los Angeles.
While Straily’s availability has been talked about for weeks now, Jon Morosi’s tweet may be the first mention of Derek Dietrich on the trading block. The 28-year-old infielder has seen regular playing time lately with all of Miami’s infield injuries and is hitting .241 with a .702 OPS in 281 plate appearances.
Dietrich could be an interesting bench option for a team like the Indians or Nationals, who have the pieces they need and are just looking for small upgrades in the depth department.