MLB trade rumors: Marlins may flip Starlin Castro

After the breaking news that Giancarlo Stanton is teaming up with Aaron Judge and going to the Bronx in a blockbuster deal, it was also reported that Starlin Castro would be heading to Miami to offset some of the costs coming along with Stanton. Now, Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports reports that is that Castro is already on Miami’s trading block.

Castro, who will turn 28 before opening day next season, had an All-Star season in 2017 hitting to a .300/.338/.454 slash line with 16 homers, 63 RBIs, and 18 doubles in 112 games. He is owed nearly $23-million over the next two seasons, plus a $16-million club option for the 2020 season.

Miami is still looking to cut payroll, so acquiring Castro in exchange for Stanton somewhat contradicts that strategy. However, after recently trading Dee Gordon, the Marlins do have an opening at second base should they decide to hold onto Castro.

It is rather early to speculate as to which teams would be in the market for Castro seeing that the Stanton trade is not yet official, but there will likely be multiple teams interested in acquiring Castro. Already, the Mets have expressed interest in Castro.

The Marlins likely will not stop with their fire sale, as they are still expected to shop Christian Yelich, Marcel Ozuna, and others at next week’s Winter Meetings. Trading Stanton was the Marlins top priority this offseason, and they can now set their sights on trading other assets to axe the payroll while stockpiling the farm.