Do the Marlins have enough trade chips to acquire Randy Arozarena?

On Sunday, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that Tampa Bay Rays star outfielder Randy Arozarena is available. With the Marlins in need of a big bat, could they be a landing spot for him?

In 2023, Arozarena slashed .256/.364/.425/.789 with 23 home runs, 83 RBIs and a 126 wRC+. The Cuban slugger posted four defensive runs saved in the outfield (with zero being league average) and earned his first career MLB All-Star selection.

Arozarena also represented Mexico during the World Baseball Classic where he slashed .450/.607/.900/1.507 in six games, leading them to the semifinals of the tournament in Miami.

Miami is looking for ways to replace the offense that Jorge Soler brought to the table. Soler opted out of his contract and is currently a free agent. Arozarena is also an upgrade over Bryan De La Cruz, who has been a streaky player for Miami and well below average defensively.

The Marlins were tied for 23rd among MLB teams in stolen bases last season. Meanwhile, Arozarena has had three straight 20/20 seasons. His aggressiveness on the bases could make a big difference in terms of manufacturing runs.

There will be competition for Arozarena, of course. This Morosi report specifically mentioned the Seattle Mariners as a possible trade partner for the Rays. Turning 29 in February, Arozarena still has three years of club control remaining. He is projected for a $9M salary in 2024, per MLB Trade Rumors, which is a bargain for an All-Star-caliber player. With a depleted farm system, the Marlins would have to get creative to outbid other interested teams.

The Rays could use more rotation depth with starters Shane McClanahan, Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen all expected to begin next season on the injured list as they recover from elbow surgeries. Sending a piece like Edward Cabrera to Tampa Bay makes sense. Cabrera has five more years of club control left and the upside to be dominant...if he can figure out how to throw strikes consistently.

Cabrera alone probably wouldn't be enough, though. Former first-round draft pick Max Meyer is ready to contribute in the big leagues as well. The second-ranked prospect on our FOF Top 30 list, Meyer posted a 2.77 ERA in 35 career minor league starts and missed 2023 due to his own Tommy John surgery.

The risk here is trading away too much pitching to make the Arozarena acquisition worth it. The Marlins would have to consider signing a starter in free agency to replace Cabrera's and Meyer's innings.

Which team do you think would say no to this proposal?

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