Marlins Rebuild and Tanner Scott Possible Trade Destinations
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Chicago Cubs
Heading into the trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a peculiar position, much like several other teams in the National League. Although they're in last place in the NL Central, trailing by 8.5 games, they're only 3.5 games behind in the Wild Card race.
Jed Hoyer is under increasing pressure following an active offseason with significant spending aimed at postseason aspirations. A sell-off could jeopardize his position, especially given the Cubs fanbase's growing impatience and desire for a playoff return. A mid-season pivot to selling would be a tough pill to swallow for the North Side faithful.
The Cubs' bullpen, with a middling ERA of 4.01—ranking 16th in the league, just above the Marlins—has been notably weak in clutch situations. They rank 29th in clutch win probability added (WPA) and are fourth in the league in blown saves with 18.
In an ideal scenario, the Cubs would be performing well; partnering with the Marlins for someone like Tanner Scott would be highly beneficial. However, the Cubs' recent struggles make it unlikely they'll part with a top prospect such as Matt Shaw (ranked No. 23 in the Top 100) for a rental closer.
Should the Cubs surge after the All-Star Break and reposition themselves in the Wild Card race, the dynamics could change dramatically. That would be the optimal moment for the Marlins to negotiate, potentially maximizing their return for Scott. Adding another reliever to the deal might sweeten the pot further, given Chicago's desperate need for bullpen help.
While top prospects like Pete Crow-Armstrong (No. 14) and Owen Caissie (No. 20) might be off-limits, younger talents such as 19-year-old shortstop Jefferson Rojas (No. 41) or Kevin Alcantara (No. 76) might become viable targets. Such an assertive move could energize a restless fanbase and bolster the Cubs' postseason chances.
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Marlins' Disappointing Season
The 2024 Miami Marlins have turned out to be a significant disappointment. Following their first postseason appearance in two decades last season, there was a sense of optimism that the team might finally achieve sustained success. However, the reality has been starkly different, with the team initiating another rebuilding phase amid promises of future change.
This time around, the Marlins find themselves in a difficult position. They need to offload players, yet they lack valuable assets to trade. Their most promising player, left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo, is sidelined with an injury and won't be available for trades this deadline. Despite earlier predictions of his trade, a lumbar stress reaction has placed him on the 60-day injured list, diminishing his immediate trade value.
On the same day, Luzardo was moved to the long-term injured list, and Braxton Garrett, another left-handed pitcher, was placed on the 15-day IL. Nearly a month later, he remains inactive, making a trade involving him before the deadline increasingly unlikely.
Offensively, the Marlins are likely positioning Jazz Chisholm Jr. for a trade, as Skip Schumaker announced that Chisholm will spend more time in the infield to enhance his market appeal. Despite his abilities, Chisholm's trade value may be lower than expected due to concerns over his injury history and team dynamics.
Other offensive players like Josh Bell, Jake Burger, and Bryan De La Cruz might only bring modest returns. The team also has a few relievers—Declan Cronin, Calvin Faucher, and Anthony Bender—who could potentially secure a mid-level prospect.
The Marlins' best hope for a significant deadline deal is closer Tanner Scott. Dominating this season with a 1.34 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 39 appearances, following a strong 2023 performance, Scott is expected to be highly sought after as he approaches free agency. Scott stands out in a relatively thin market with many teams needing bullpen enhancements and could command a significant return.
As the trade deadline approaches, finding the right trading partner could prove crucial for the Marlins, particularly in maximizing returns for their standout closer. Several teams might align perfectly as potential trade partners.
Baltimore Orioles
The Marlins and Orioles have long been a perfect trading match. If Jesús Luzardo were available, a deal sending him and Tanner Scott to Baltimore could have been a blockbuster. Such a trade would significantly bolster an Orioles squad needing pitching enhancements.
The real intrigue lies in how bold the Orioles' front office will be. With aspirations of World Series contention, they might be motivated to make a significant move to energize their fanbase. Under these circumstances, Peter Bendix would likely jump at the opportunity to leverage Baltimore's deep farm system for immediate gains.
Securing top prospects in exchange for a rental player, primarily a reliever, is challenging, regardless of his dominance. However, the Orioles have a surplus of prospects who could make an immediate impact with the Marlins.
The acquisition of Corbin Burnes this offseason exemplifies Baltimore's ability to integrate new talent quickly, as seen with Joey Ortiz, who almost made the All-Star Game as a rookie. A player like Connor Norby, ranked No. 6 among Orioles prospects, would significantly upgrade the Marlins' infield.
While Baltimore might hesitate to part with such a valuable asset for a short-term addition, the Marlins could still see considerable benefit from acquiring one of the Orioles' other promising outfield prospects, such as Enrique Bradfield Jr. (No. 7), Dylan Beavers (No. 9), Braylin Tavera (No. 11), or Jud Fabian. If the Marlins can negotiate for additional assets in the deal, they would be pleased with the outcome.
San Diego Padres
It's unlikely the Padres will remain idle as the trade deadline approaches, right? Given AJ Preller's penchant for bold moves and the Padres hovering near a Wild Card berth, it's reasonable to expect them to be active buyers by July 31.
Fortunately for the Marlins, San Diego desperately needs bullpen reinforcements. They're currently ranked 19th in reliever ERA and 28th in win probability added (WPA) during high-pressure moments. Their left-handed relievers are performing even worse, 21st in ERA and 29th in clutch WPA.
Like the Orioles, the Padres boast a robust farm system. Seventeen-year-old Leodalis De Vries, a league-average hitter at Low-A, could be an ideal developmental prospect for the Marlins, who have long struggled to fill the shortstop position.
Having already completed the Luis Arráez trade, the Marlins and Padres are well-positioned to strike another deal, potentially involving Tanner Scott.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers often seem like a default mention in trade discussions because they're interested in nearly every available player, and Tanner Scott is no exception, especially given their needs.
Despite boasting the fourth-best ERA among relievers in the league, the Dodgers have faltered in high-pressure moments, ranking only 21st in clutch win probability added (WPA). Their robust rotation has been marred by injuries, underscoring the adage that a team can never have too much pitching. Adding Scott would bolster their bullpen for those crucial late-game situations.
There’s a common skepticism around trading with powerhouses like the Dodgers or Rays, driven by their knack for uncovering hidden talents. However, the Dodgers are just as likely to part with valuable prospects due to their deep pool of talent.
Peter Bendix, well-acquainted with the Dodgers' system from his time in the Rays organization under Andrew Friedman, is uniquely positioned to navigate these waters. The Dodgers have a wealth of talent, with four top 100 prospects, all position players, and only one beyond High-A. This aligns well with the Marlins' strategy of acquiring young, high-ceiling prospects for their rebuild.
Negotiating with the Dodgers could be highly fruitful for the Marlins. The prospect of Scott joining the Dodgers might be daunting for the rest of the league, but the right deal could provide significant long-term benefits for the Marlins. And given that the Marlins aren't likely to be direct competitors with the Dodgers shortly, there's little downside in making such a trade.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are setting the standard in the NL East, a benchmark the Miami Marlins aspire to reach through their rebuilding efforts. While the Phillies dominate the division, the Marlins are strategizing to one day rival their success.
From a personnel perspective, the Phillies might not seem like the best fit for a trade involving Marlins' lefty Tanner Scott. Philadelphia already boasts three competent left-handed relievers—Matt Strahm, Gregory Soto, and José Alvarado—and their bullpen ranks highly in clutch win probability added (WPA) and ERA among left-handed relievers.
However, the Marlins might find more suitable trade partners for their right-handed relievers in Philadelphia, given the Phillies' right-handers' 4.24 ERA, 23rd in the league. Yet, as demonstrated in discussions about the Dodgers, excess pitching is always beneficial. Scott would be a luxury addition for the Phillies, potentially reinforcing their bullpen's robust performance.
A more intriguing scenario involves a more extensive trade package, including Jazz Chisholm Jr. The Phillies are struggling with productivity from their center fielders, ranking low in wRC+ and home runs from that position. Chisholm's 102 wRC+ and 12 homers would significantly improve their outfield production.
Incorporating Chisholm into a deal with Scott could notably enhance the Marlins' potential returns, bringing them into discussions for some of the Phillies' top prospects. Including one of the Marlins' right-handers like Declan Cronin, Calvin Faucher, and Anthony Bender might further enrich the proposal. Although this might be one of the less likely scenarios for Scott, it offers the Marlins an excellent chance to get creative and maximize the value of their assets.
Chicago Cubs
Heading into the trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a peculiar position, much like several other teams in the National League. Although they're in last place in the NL Central, trailing by 8.5 games, they're only 3.5 games behind in the Wild Card race.
Jed Hoyer is under increasing pressure following an active offseason with significant spending aimed at postseason aspirations. A sell-off could jeopardize his position, especially given the Cubs fanbase's growing impatience and desire for a playoff return. A mid-season pivot to selling would be a tough pill to swallow for the North Side faithful.
The Cubs' bullpen, with a middling ERA of 4.01—ranking 16th in the league, just above the Marlins—has been notably weak in clutch situations. They rank 29th in clutch win probability added (WPA) and are fourth in the league in blown saves with 18.
In an ideal scenario, the Cubs would be performing well; partnering with the Marlins for someone like Tanner Scott would be highly beneficial. However, the Cubs' recent struggles make it unlikely they'll part with a top prospect such as Matt Shaw (ranked No. 23 in the Top 100) for a rental closer.
Should the Cubs surge after the All-Star Break and reposition themselves in the Wild Card race, the dynamics could change dramatically. That would be the optimal moment for the Marlins to negotiate, potentially maximizing their return for Scott. Adding another reliever to the deal might sweeten the pot further, given Chicago's desperate need for bullpen help.
While top prospects like Pete Crow-Armstrong (No. 14) and Owen Caissie (No. 20) might be off-limits, younger talents such as 19-year-old shortstop Jefferson Rojas (No. 41) or Kevin Alcantara (No. 76) might become viable targets. Such an assertive move could energize a restless fanbase and bolster the Cubs' postseason chances.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Marlins' Disappointing Season
The 2024 Miami Marlins have turned out to be a significant disappointment. Following their first postseason appearance in two decades last season, there was a sense of optimism that the team might finally achieve sustained success. However, the reality has been starkly different, with the team initiating another rebuilding phase amid promises of future change.
This time around, the Marlins find themselves in a difficult position. They need to offload players, yet they lack valuable assets to trade. Their most promising player, left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo, is sidelined with an injury and won't be available for trades this deadline. Despite earlier predictions of his trade, a lumbar stress reaction has placed him on the 60-day injured list, diminishing his immediate trade value.
On the same day, Luzardo was moved to the long-term injured list, and Braxton Garrett, another left-handed pitcher, was placed on the 15-day IL. Nearly a month later, he remains inactive, making a trade involving him before the deadline increasingly unlikely.
Offensively, the Marlins are likely positioning Jazz Chisholm Jr. for a trade, as Skip Schumaker announced that Chisholm will spend more time in the infield to enhance his market appeal. Despite his abilities, Chisholm's trade value may be lower than expected due to concerns over his injury history and team dynamics.
Other offensive players like Josh Bell, Jake Burger, and Bryan De La Cruz might only bring modest returns. The team also has a few relievers—Declan Cronin, Calvin Faucher, and Anthony Bender—who could potentially secure a mid-level prospect.
The Marlins' best hope for a significant deadline deal is closer Tanner Scott. Dominating this season with a 1.34 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 39 appearances, following a strong 2023 performance, Scott is expected to be highly sought after as he approaches free agency. Scott stands out in a relatively thin market with many teams needing bullpen enhancements and could command a significant return.
As the trade deadline approaches, finding the right trading partner could prove crucial for the Marlins, particularly in maximizing returns for their standout closer. Several teams might align perfectly as potential trade partners.
