Building on a historic June run, Miami pivots to buying mode. The club aims to bolster its rotation and bullpen while eyeing affordable infield depth to contend.
The Miami Marlins (52-42) have decided on their direction several weeks before the trade deadline, choosing to capitalize on the best season since 2023.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Miami is likely retaining its ace pitcher Sandy Alcantara and aiming to strategically add to the roster during the trade deadline. Alcantara had an uncertain status with the club, as his name appeared in trade rumors.
Now, Miami has likely put those rumors to rest. As for their needs, Rosenthal reported the Marlins could be searching for a third baseman, back-end starting pitcher and high-leverage reliever.
Injuries have plagued Miami's pitching depth. Eury Pérez was on the injured list for eight weeks for a right gracilis (inner thigh) strain. Janson Junk was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shin bone inflammation after initial discomfort and getting hit by a batted ball.
Both have returned to the mound for the Marlins in recent days. Pérez pitched a perfect seven innings against the Athletics (41-52) last Sunday, and Junk picked up his fourth win of the season against the Seattle Mariners (47-47) on Thursday.
Pete Fairbanks is the Marlins' reliever, but he hasn't had the best season for the club. He has a 6.75 ERA on the season and gave up three runs against the Athletics last Sunday.
Fairbanks bounced back with no earned runs in his two most recent appearances, but there is uncertainty around his future in Miami. A more consistent reliever would prevent late-game scares that the Marlins have allowed in the last several games.
Rosenthal listed potential third base trade candidates for the Marlins to pursue. Most third basemen are low-salary players, which could bode well for Miami in negotiations.
"Many lower-priced third-base options, including the Baltimore Orioles’ Blaze Alexander, Texas Rangers’ Ezequiel Duran, Cleveland Guardians’ Gabriel Arias and Los Angeles Angels’ Oswald Peraza, could also be available," Rosenthal wrote.
Peter Bendix, the president of baseball operations, is approaching the trade deadline with a "buyer" mindset for the first time since he took the position in 2023. Bendix's approach speaks volumes about the season Miami is having.
The Marlins are coming off a historic June, finishing the month 20-6. Miami's offense was electric; Alcantara made franchise history, and starting pitcher Max Meyer continued his flawless win record (9-0).
A road-heavy second 81 games looked spooky for the Marlins, who struggle on the road. However, that has not stopped the club from entering the All-Star break 10 games over .500, tied for second place in the NL East and three games behind first place in the division.
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