With a playoff spot on the line, Miami is shifting into buyer mode. These two high-impact arms could stabilize an injury-plagued rotation and fuel a postseason push.
A nine-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 one game 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.
Multiple pitchers have been hit with the injury bug this season, calling for the Marlins to strengthen their depth. Max Meyer recently hit the injured list with a neck strain; Eury Pérez and Janson Junk were injured for some time before returning from injury.
Pete Fairbanks has struggled as a relief pitcher, often blowing games rather than saving them. His lows have made him available before the deadline, and Miami must decide his future for the organization.
The Athletic released a list of the top available players ahead of the deadline, and two promising pitchers could fit the Marlins and help lock up a playoff spot.
Foster Griffin, Washington Nationals
Griffin is an intriguing first-time All-Star at 30 years old after making a return to MLB after two seasons in Japan with the Yomuri Giants in the NPB. The left-hander has been dealing in his 20 starts for Washington, posting an 11-2 record (tied for fifth), 2.68 ERA (12th) and 111 strikeouts (31st).
He is a versatile pitcher, and the cutter is his go-to, thrown 33% of the time on the mound. His fastball clocks in at around 92 mph, lower than league average, but Griffin has kept opposing slugging percentages low thanks to his main pitch.
The Athletic believes he's a back-end addition to contenders, potentially making him a good addition for Miami. Sandy Alcantara, Pérez and Meyer are great starters for the club, and Griffin could swap to relief in high-leverage moments.
Kris Bubic, Kansas City Royals
Bubic was a success story for Kansas City, moving up from relief to starter in 2025. He recorded a 2.55 ERA with 115 strikeouts in over 100 innings, but has struggled to replicate that excellence this season.
The left-hander is on the 60-day IL with elbow and shoulder injuries. Like outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who's also a trade candidate for the Marlins, betting on an injury-prone player is a huge risk for a club that's sliding in the standings quickly.
The 28-year-old does have experience as a reliever, so lessening his workload could work out in Miami's favor should Bendix send young prospects for Bubic.
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