Jul 22, 2026 10:31 PM

With a playoff berth within reach, Miami’s front office is hunting for veteran power and defensive versatility to bolster the lineup before the August 3 deadline.

An eight-game losing streak has put the Miami Marlins' playoff hopes at risk, and the clock is ticking to improve the roster as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches.

Marlins principal owner Bruce Sherman gave president of baseball operations Peter Bendix the green light to upgrade the roster. Miami is operating with a "buyer" mentality for the first time since 2023.

The team is two games over .500, sits in third place in the NL East and is fighting for the final NL Wild Card spot. A historic June, in which the team went 20-6, has propelled them to this point, and Sherman wants to capitalize on that momentum.

The Athletic released a list of the top available players ahead of the deadline, and some promising outfielders could fit the Marlins and help lock up a playoff spot.

Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs

Suzuki has been a proven contributor on both sides of the ball this season in Chicago. The 31-year-old is slashing .270/.360/.472/.831 with 16 home runs and 42 RBI, including a .985 fielding percentage with five assists and two errors playing right field.

It's his most efficient defensive season since 2023. The Athletic is skeptical about his availability, though. He controls his next destination with a no-trade clause in his contract.

Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox

Duran has been a solid defender in left field for Boston, but his batting has regressed significantly. He was batting .256 in 2025, a slight drop from 2023 (.285), and is at a career-worst .192 this season.

The 29-year-old brings some versatility in the outfield, playing eight games at center field. At his primary position, Duran has a .994 fielding percentage with five assists and is perfect when playing center. Sample size in the middle is small, but positional versatility is a valuable trait in MLB.

George Springer, Toronto Blue Jays

Springer is the ultimate addition for a team, like Miami, chasing a playoff appearance. The 37-year-old shines under the brightest light, as he played a significant role in Toronto's World Series journey.

He hit four homers and recorded 10 RBI in the playoffs. Limited defensive ability is his issue, as Springer has primarily spent time this season as a designated hitter, playing one game in left field.

As an expiring contract, the Marlins can acquire his services without parting with valuable young talent.

Jasson Domínguez, New York Yankees

Domínguez is a young prospect who's split his time between the majors and Triple-A. Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger are signed to long-term deals, leaving his place on the team in question. The 23-year-old isn't an immediate playoff contributor, but an investment for the future.

He's slashing .230/.269/.388/.657 with five homers and 11 RBI. A change of scenery could unlock the dormant potential that is being underutilized in New York.

Luis Robert Jr., New York Mets

Robert is a gamble. Injuries have limited him from becoming a consistent player, as the Chicago White Sox dealt him to the Mets at arguably his lowest value --  for infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitching prospect Truman Pauley.

He has played 27 games this season after hitting the 60-day injured list with a lumbar issue. His asking price may be low, but it's worth pondering if Miami wants to rely on an injury-prone outfielder, especially when the club has dealt with many injuries itself, like Max Meyer missing time due to a neck sprain.

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