President Peter Bendix weighs deals for All-Star Otto Lopez and rising young talent as the Miami Marlins navigates a pivotal deadline, balancing future leverage against keeping a core rotation intact.
MIAMI, Fla. – Although the Miami Marlins have won back-to-back games for the first time since July 9, the business side of baseball doesn’t slow down for anyone. The trade deadline is only five days away and anything can happen. According to The Athletic, new intel has come to light on how President Peter Bendix and the organization plan to approach it.
The Marlins are “willing” to take calls on second baseman Xavier Edwards, All-Star shortstop Otto Lopez, catcher/designated hitter Liam Hicks, and left fielder Herbierto Hernandez. None are over the age of 28. Hernandez and Hicks have at least one more year under pre-arbitration; meanwhile, Lopez and Edwards can fully pursue salary negotiations.
It remains unclear whether the Marlins will actually make a deal involving any of the players mentioned.
Lopez currently leads the league with a .328 batting average. He would likely command the biggest return. The Athletic highlighted that Hicks has already received interest from teams. Given the “lack of viable catcher option,” the Marlins would have leverage in conversations.
Unlike past years, the organization isn’t looking to make any major roster changes. Marlins analyst Craig Mish first reported that former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, Euro Perez, Max Meyer, and Joe Mack are off the table. However, Pete Fairbanks is likely very open to discussions. The eighth-year major leaguer hasn’t lived up to expectations, especially after signing a one-year, $13 million contract last winter.
The Marlins have received calls about other relievers, including Michael Petersen and Anthony Bender, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 30 with a right shin stress reaction.
Despite having its own needs, such as a third baseman and relief pitching, the organization isn’t looking to trade for players on expiring contracts.
The Athletic doesn’t mention anything about Kyle Stowers, Griffin Conine, or Jakob Marsee. It likely means they’re off the table, alongside other core pieces.
In June, the Marlins had sole possession of the National League’s final Wild Card spot. However, a franchise-record 12-game losing streak a month later only derailed the promising trajectory. The Marlins will rely on the established talent on the roster to climb back up.
Any deal involving Lopez and Edwards could cause a major shift. The Marlins can afford to move on from Hicks with the emergence of Mack and Brian Navarreto. In the outfield, depth is not a question, especially when Owen Caissie returns from a rehab (calf strain) assignment.
The Aug. 3 trade deadline is cut off at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Anthony Aguirre is a Miami Marlins beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
