Dan Haren unlikely to join Marlins after informing team of West Coast preference

Marlins' right-hander Dan Haren has informed the team that he does not intend to join them next season and still prefers to pitch for a team on the west coast, according to a report from Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. Haren was said to be considering joining the Marlins after being traded to Miami during the Winter Meetings, though it was thought all along that he was more likely to retire or be traded to a west-coast team than actually play for the Marlins.

Haren has previously stated that he would prefer pitching for a team in southern California, but the Dodgers are not an option after dealing him and the Angels have publicly stated that they have no interest in a reunion with the veteran. The aggressive Padres are a possibility, so the Marlins may try to work out a deal with San Diego if Haren is serious about his decision not to suit up for Miami.

Haren, 34, is a veteran of twelve major-league seasons with six different clubs and was acquired by the Marlins along with Dee Gordon and Miguel Rojas in a blockbuster deal that send Andrew Heaney, Enrique Hernandez, Chris Hatcher and Austin Barnes to the Dodgers. He is owed $10 million for next season, which the Dodgers are currently slated to pay unless Haren retires and walks away from the money.