Three players that the Marlins could sell before the trade deadline

Right when we’re almost a month away from the trade deadline, the last-place Marlins lost again on Wednesday, dropping to nine games back of first place in the NL East. It would take an insane winning run to close that gap. Assuming things don’t turn around soon, the team’s best approach to the July 30 trade deadline could be selling off some proven major leaguers for younger, possible long-term pieces.

Obviously, there are key guys who we expect to be useful for the club in 2022 and beyond—trading them for unpredictable prospects would be going against what’s logical. Even somebody like Starling Marté, who’s on an expiring contract, is not on this list because I hope the Marlins would extend him before he hits free agency. Trading him would create a void that they’ll struggle to fill.

Let’s see the names...

1. RHP Yimi García

García has been lights out since he joined the Marlins. He earned the closer’s role and has been pretty effective as well (though not so much in non-save situations). Since García’s in his walk year and he could be replaceable, the Marlins can take advantage of that.

The Astros are in need of bullpen help and, with García going back to his former setup role, they could be a logical trade partner as they’re struggling to find a bridge from their starters to current closer Ryan Pressly. Although Houston doesn’t have the brightest farm system, there could be a couple of interesting names.

Through Wednesday, García has 11 saves and a 2.89 ERA across 30 games and 28 innings. He’s giving up just 2.6 walks per nine and has registered 27 strikeouts.

2. OF Adam Duvall

Recently, I wrote an article describing how valuable Duvall has been for the Marlins so far. Even though he doesn’t impress in terms of batting average (.213) or OPS (.720), Duvall already has six doubles, 16 four-baggers, and 52 runs batted in across 62 games.

Duvall has a mutual contract option for 2022, but his power might bring something good in exchange. Teams such as the Padres, Mets, or the White Sox could end up as Adam’s new home if the Marlins decide to trade him away. Of that group, Chicago has lost Eloy Jiménez, Luis Robert, and speedster Billy Hamilton. Duvall’s pop can be welcomed with arms wide open in the Windy City.

They have some promising names in both outfield and infield, including powerful first baseman Gavin Sheets. Even though they’re not expected to trade someone like Yoelkis Céspedes, there are other players that are worth a look.

3. LHP Ross Detwiler

Detwiler is a 13-year veteran that is having a nice season pitching out of the bullpen for the Fish. At age 35, Detwiler is closer to being a baseball nomad than a long-term piece. In fact, he’s been a member of seven teams since 2015.

Detwiler, who will also be a free agent after the World Series, could be a big-time help for a team that’s needing a veteran, lefty long reliever. The good thing about him is that he can dominate both left-handers and right-handers without any problem.

The Athletics and Blue Jays have had trouble with their left-handed relievers. Both are in contention so it wouldn’t be crazy for them to go after Detwiler.

The Marlins haven’t tipped their hand yet on whether to sell or not, but that decision should come in the upcoming weeks. Time will do its job.