Marlins rumors: Wei-Yin Chen market is 'evolving rapidly'

Wei-Yin Chen's market is "evolving rapidly" and the Miami Marlins seem to be a potential employer, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

Source describes Chen market as "evolving rapidly." #Marlins, others in.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 12, 2016

Chen is tied to draft pick compensation due to receiving a qualifying offer from his previous team, the Baltimore Orioles. Chen seems to be the remaining pitching target for teams looking for top of the rotation help. His remaining competition consists of Yovani Gallardo, Doug Fister and Ian Kennedy. For a full list of remaining free agents, visit our Free Agent Tracker.

The Marlins rotation seems deep on paper, but after Jose Fernandez, they lack top-of-the-rotation talent. Chen had a 4.16 FIP and 4.18 DRA in 191.1 innings with the Orioles last season. Rounding out a rotation consisting of Fernandez and Chen with the best three pitchers of Tom Koehler, Jarred Cosart, Brad Hand, Adam Conley, or David Phelps incumbent on health could improve the Marlins chances substantially.

Miami's No.7 pick is protected, so if the club signs Chen, it would lose its No.46 overall pick.

With other teams in, Chen -- a Scott Boras client -- could command a significant contract. An average annual value of $20 million isn't out of the realm of possibilities, but the compensatory draft pick seems to have been a deterrent thus far. If the market is indeed evolving rapidly, the 30-year old free agent pitcher could be employed shortly.