Concerns That Starting Pitcher Trade Market Has Stalled - Does This Help The Marlins?

[Brock Beauchamp]

All quiet on the pitcher front.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com wrote this excellent write-up about both the reliever and starting pitcher winter markets. While the reliever free agent market seems to have stalled on Josh Hader (who finally signed with the Astros on Friday afternoon), Feinsand goes on to point out that the starting pitching market hasn't fared much better with several high-profile free agents still on the market, headlined by Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.

In a cascading effect, this has caused the starting pitcher trade market to be equally slow, so much so that one NL executive is quoted saying "I don’t think the trade market will be very hot in the next month". The Marlins have a need for offense and some expendable starting pitching. Does a frozen market on the likes of Dylan Cease, Shane Bieber, and Corbin Burnes hurt or help the Marlins' chances to improve their 2024 lineup by maximizing value in one of their starting pitchers this offseason?

View full rumor

[Sean Millerick]

It's hard to say. On the one hand, I almost take issue with the term expendable starting pitching. On the other, I think the only reason Luzardo is still here is that Sandy is hurt. The Marlins have one strength, so that's what you trade from...but it's also only a strength if Braxton wasn't a fluke, Trevor comes back strong, and Max Meyer justifies his draft price. 

Ultimately, I think a pitcher is moved the moment Bendix thinks he is getting max value. If that happens between now and Opening Day, it's because someone made an Arraez type offer. If no one offers impact MLB ready/veteran talent, the best healthy non-Eury pitcher is traded in July, Everything that is being written about the White Sox and Cease could just as easily be the case with the Marlins and...whoever it ends up being. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

11 hours ago, Sean Millerick said:

It's hard to say. On the one hand, I almost take issue with the term expendable starting pitching. On the other, I think the only reason Luzardo is still here is that Sandy is hurt. The Marlins have one strength, so that's what you trade from...but it's also only a strength if Braxton wasn't a fluke, Trevor comes back strong, and Max Meyer justifies his draft price. 

Ultimately, I think a pitcher is moved the moment Bendix thinks he is getting max value. If that happens between now and Opening Day, it's because someone made an Arraez type offer. If no one offers impact MLB ready/veteran talent, the best healthy non-Eury pitcher is traded in July, Everything that is being written about the White Sox and Cease could just as easily be the case with the Marlins and...whoever it ends up being. 

I paused on the word "expendable" because that wasn't quite right... my point is more that the Marlins can afford to deal away pitching compared to their need for additional offense.

[Sean McCormack]

Although, it is highly disappointing to potentially trade a home town kid like Luzardo, I do believe it is best. This was Luzardo’s not only best season but his first full healthy season. Personally I doubt he repeats that. He has 2-3 years left of team control and objectively was a top 5 lefty in baseball last year. I was beyond happy with the bendix hire as I am a part time rays fan, full time marlins fan. I have complete belief in Bendix to adapt the rays model of success and it starts like this. I’m shocked Tanner Scott is still a Marlin. Best year of his career with 1 more year od ARB making 5.5M this season. That goes against everything Bendix believes in with having a expensive reliever. I’d like a deal either with the Red sox or O’s with Luzardo. Possibly even the cubs, we could get some very nice prospects. If Luzardo is moved I hope we sign a vet to a 1 year because we’re going to end up like last season throwing some distasteful arms in big games.

[Brock Beauchamp]

6 minutes ago, Sean McCormack said:

Although, it is highly disappointing to potentially trade a home town kid like Luzardo, I do believe it is best. This was Luzardo’s not only best season but his first full healthy season. Personally I doubt he repeats that. He has 2-3 years left of team control and objectively was a top 5 lefty in baseball last year. I was beyond happy with the bendix hire as I am a part time rays fan, full time marlins fan. I have complete belief in Bendix to adapt the rays model of success and it starts like this. I’m shocked Tanner Scott is still a Marlin. Best year of his career with 1 more year od ARB making 5.5M this season. That goes against everything Bendix believes in with having a expensive reliever. I’d like a deal either with the Red sox or O’s with Luzardo. Possibly even the cubs, we could get some very nice prospects. If Luzardo is moved I hope we sign a vet to a 1 year because we’re going to end up like last season throwing some distasteful arms in big games.

Welcome, Sean!

[blackmarketbaby.com]

Are the Marlins a contender in 2024? If so, they should not trade away pitchers, especially young, talented, and controllable starters. There is no such thing as a surplus when it comes to pitchers; they're just too volatile and injury-prone in today's MLB. If there's no way to contend in 2024, then commence with a fire sale.