With the second worst record in the majors, the Miami Marlins appear to have decided to become sellers this summer, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald. The team has begun telling other teams that they will listen to offers on pitchers Mat Latos, Dan Haren and Brad Hand, along with backup infielder Jeff Baker.
Latos and Haren have long been rumored as prime trade candidates. They, like Baker, are eligible for free agency after the season and not in the Marlins' long-term plans. Nor is the lefty Hand, who has remained on the 25-man roster the past two seasons, in large part because he has been out of options.
Since firing Mike Redmond, things haven't exactly gone well in the Dan Jennings. Under his leadership, the Marlins have posted a record of 20-28, which is a worse winning percentage than when they were under Redmond.
With the Marlins making moves during the offseason and having young talent on the major league roster, this summer could have been a turning point for the franchise. It will also be the first real test for new general manager Mike Berger, who will attempt to move players for future assets.
Latos hasn't had a season with the Marlins, and sports an ERA of 4.90; while Haren has performed better, and posted an ERA of 3.34. Latos is 27 and could have a second half resurgence, and could be willing to sign an extension; while Haren would probably be looked at as a one-year rental. It seemed like he was going to retire at one point rather than pitch for Miami, and it's unclear what his intentions are for 2016.
Baker is an interesting player, and has a slash line of .208/.288/.375 line with three home runs and eight RBIs. Those numbers come in a back-up role, and there are teams that will be interested in bench bats as we get closer to July 31st.
Injured infielder Martin Prado has been another name mentioned in rumors, as the 31-year-old is under control through 2016, but the Marlins seem prefer to keep him in the fold for the future.
Another player that could join the group above is reliever Steve Cishek. He began the year as the team's closer, but poor results forced him out of the role, and into AAA for a bit. The Marlins have pieces to sell, and with them putting up and open for sale sign on their front office, this could be what the trade deadline needs to finally get underway.