Marlins links, 7/9/18: Marlins finally beat Nationals, J.T. Realmuto the All-Star, profiling potential trade candidates

Marlins take final game from Nationals

The Nationals remain the only NL East team that the Marlins have yet to win against this season. After a rough opening game to the series where the Marlins gave up a nine-run lead, then blowing a lead in the ninth inning during Game 2 and being absolutely annihilated on Saturday with a final score of 18-4, the Marlins finally beat the Washington Nationals, 10-2.

The Marlins racked up a season-high 22 hits of which only two hits went for extra bases (doubles by Justin Bour and Martín Prado). J.T. Realmuto provided most of the fireworks going 5-for-6, five singles and three RBIs, coming across to score two runs himself. He also displayed his positional versatility by finishing the game off at first base.

J.T Realmuto is D.C. Bound

The Marlins will have one representative next week in Washington D.C. as Realmuto received his first All-Star selection. J.T. will join the Cubs Wilson Contreras and the Giants Buster Posey as National League catchers (Contreras was the fan-elected starter).

Regardless, J.T. has been the best catcher in the big leagues this year (it’s not even close, sorry not sorry). He leads all catchers in AVG (.317), SLG (.551), OPS (.919), hits (84), runs score (45), and WAR (3.5). He’s the gold standard at the position by far and everybody else is just playing catch up.

While J.T. has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate, it’s been recently reported that the Marlins are looking to lock the league’s best backstop up long term. What would that contract look like?

Profiling trade candidates

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

As we near the July 31 trade deadline, one can only expect the Marlins will make moves to bolster their farm system and improve their future.

In recent weeks, Cornelius has profiled potentially available veterans. Next up: big slugger Justin Bour. The donut-loving Bour has been having a steady season, slashing .232/.361/.414 while leading the Marlins in home runs. The batting average has been down, but he’s still been walked 60 times (second-most among first basemen this season).

Realistic landing spots include the Rockies and Yankees.

#JustGettinStarted

Canadian prospect Tristan Pompey took a few extra days to receive his work visa and get his pro career underway. The Marlins third-rounder is making up for lost time, rapidly earning a promotion from the Gulf Coast League to Low-A Greensboro.

This organization has stocked up on plenty of athletic outfielders over the past year, with Pompey just the latest addition.

Marty Scott nearing comeback win, but needs your help

Scott worked for the Marlins for six years in their player development department. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with colon cancer last year, and just days after surgery, learned that the Marlins weren’t renewing his contract.

Since then, Scott’s been paying for his medical expenses out of pocket. He has set up a GoFundMe campaign and the baseball community has stepped up: 230 donors have combined to contribute nearly $25,000 toward his $30,000 goal.

Please donate if you’re able to do so.

The Marlins return home

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Jose Ureña and the Marlins are back in Miami tonight and will face off against ex-Marlin Christian Yelich and the Milwaukee Brewers. Ureña will be making his second start after coming off the DL. Chase Anderson will be pitching for the Brewers, but all eyes will be on Yelich who’s sure to be well received for his five seasons as a Marlin.

First pitch is at 7:10pm.