Marlins trade rumors: Aroldis Chapman, Fernando Rodney on club’s radar

Miami is seeking relief help and has expressed interest in Aroldis Chapman and Fernando Rodney, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.

After defeating the Cubs on Sunday afternoon, the Marlins are 41-35 and three games behind the Nationals in the National League East. The club is also reportedly interested in adding starting pitching and was linked to Drew Pomeranz, Jake Odorizzi and Bud Norris this week.

Several clubs, including Chicago, appear to have interest in Chapman, who the Yankees could make available if they remain toward the bottom of the American League East standings. If New York isn’t in contention, Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Chapman might be shopped.

Chapman, 28, will become a free agent this off-season, which could make him the most likely of the three to be moved. Over 20.0 innings, he’s posted 2.70 ERA and 1.78 FIP and has saved 15 contests.

While it’s still unclear whether the Yankees are considering breaking up their bullpen trio, the Padres could be in a position to move Rodney if there is enough interest. Over 28.2 innings, he’s posted a 0.31 ERA and 2.29 FIP. The Marlins were reportedly interested in Rodney before he joined San Diego last winter.

Miami’s bullpen has pitched to a 3.69 ERA, which ranks 13th in baseball and sixth in the National League. Still, if the Marlins want to remain competitive, adding a reliever could prove to be beneficial.

The Marlins opened the season without Mike Dunn, who has since returned from the disabled list, and Carter Capps, who underwent Tommy John surgery in March. A.J. Ramos has converted every save opportunity and David Phelps has pitched well when called upon late in games, but without Bryan Morris, who is on the DL after having back surgery, Manager Don Mattingly doesn’t have many true setup options.

Miami has a comparably thin minor league system and has said it doesn’t plan on moving any players on its major league roster, potentially limiting trade options.

Owner Jeffrey Loria reportedly is open to adding to the payroll if the Marlins remain competitive, though neither Chapman’s $5.75 million salary nor the $850,000 base salary Rodney is due is extreme. Rodney might be the more realistic target, since he has a club option for 2017.