What's Next for the Marlins?
The Marlins unloaded 2x batting champion Luis Arraez for a package that included 3 prospects and Woo-Suk Go. What's next?
When the Marlins brought in Peter Bendix this offseason, it was clear that they focused on improving the farm system and developing position players. Former Marlins employees such as Gary Denbo and D.J. Sviklik continuously failed to develop home-grown hitting talent, which is why the Marlins have one of the worst farm systems in baseball and just one position player on the active roster that they originally drafted/internationally signed (Nick Fortes, 13 OPS+ in 2024). The unfortunate part about rebuilding the farm system is that beloved players getting traded is part of that process.
Contradictory to many Marlins fans, I think trading Luis Arraez was the right move, and they got a solid package for Arraez. People must remember that the Marlins have the third-worst record in MLB right now and will be without arguably their two best pitchers until 2025. That said, it makes total sense for the Marlins to establish themselves as sellers and improve the farm while the big league club isn’t winning.
As for the trade package, I think Peter Bendix did a great job adding talent to the organization. The Marlins acquired their #5 ranked prospect, Dillion Head, a first-round pick in 2023, and their #10 and #11 prospects, Jakob Marsee and Nathan Martorella. Although Arraez is a 2x batting champ, All-Star, and Silver Slugger, he ultimately isn’t worth a top 80 prospect because he’s a one-tool player and only has 1.8 years of club control. Peter Bendix said he was concerned that the offer wouldn’t have been on the table later on in the year, so he decided to make the deal this early into the season.
via Baseball Savant
Now, to look ahead, several players might be up next on the trading block. I’d expect Jazz, Scott, and Luzardo to all be on the market this deadline, but the Marlins would probably benefit from waiting until the traditional trade deadline season to trade those three. It’ll be interesting to see what the return would look like in a Jazz Chisholm Jr. trade because of his injury history and disappointing hitting stats this season. As for Luzardo and Scott, it seems like both of them would’ve had more value if they were dealt this winter. Luzardo got off to a rough start this season before landing on the IL and Tanner Scott’s walk rate has increased significantly.
The only trades that would genuinely surprise me would be if Eury or Burger get traded this year. Burger is under club control through 2028, and Eury through 2029.
When the Marlins traded Luis Arraez, they not only lost their best hitter but also a major clubhouse presence and mentor to the younger players on the roster. Who are Marlins players gonna look to for advice when veterans like Tim Anderson, Avisail Garcia, and Josh Bell are struggling, and there’s a first-year hitting coach?
via Getty Images