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Pete Fairbanks hasn't delivered the season the Miami Marlins had in mind when they signed him to a one-year, $13 million deal last winter.
But with the trade deadline approaching, that may not matter as much as it seems.
If there's one thing baseball has shown over the years, it's that contenders are often willing to bet on talent over ugly surface numbers. And Fairbanks still has plenty of both.
The veteran closer owns a 7.27 ERA this season, though that number is somewhat misleading. Nearly half of the earned runs he's allowed came in just three appearances. Though his underlying numbers remain far more encouraging.
Fairbanks is still averaging 97.3 mph on his fastball and striking out 28.8% of opposing hitters. His expected ERA also paints a much different picture than his traditional statistics, suggesting there's still plenty of value beneath the rough first half.
That could become important if Miami decides to move him before Aug. 3.
The Marlins suddenly find themselves in an interesting position. Their excellent June has pushed them back into the National League Wild Card conversation. That means Peter Bendix's deadline plans are far less straightforward than they appeared a month ago.
However, similar to the 2023 MLB trade deadline, here are the 5 realistic trade ideas the Marlins could explore:
The Marlins are currently looking to strengthen their lineup with an impact bat to enhance their playoff chances. According to reports from Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Miami is willing to trade top pitching prospects to acquire offensive talent, with a particular need at third base.
Among the potential targets mentioned are Josh Jung, Royce Lewis, and Nolan Gorman.
Lewis of the Minnesota Twins emerges as a particularly logical and cost-effective option for the Marlins. The Twins are reportedly seeking pitching upgrades and may be open to trading Lewis.
Additionally, his affordable $2.85 million salary would also make sense for the Marlins as the price tag won't make any dent on their already tight budget.
While Lewis has a history of injuries, he has shown significant power potential when healthy and controllable through 2028, making him an attractive addition to the Marlins' middle order.
After Lewis, another name that sounds equally convincing is Nolan Gorman.
Just as Bowden mentioned, the Marlins are prioritizing their third base and are exploring adding another batter to the lineup.
Making it to the playoffs and making a deep run is what Miami is looking for. However, their choice could also depend on whether the Texas Rangers or the St. Louis Cardinals want to cut Gorman or Jung.
The Marlins' rotation has exceeded expectations, but injuries have exposed its lack of depth.
Wacha would provide exactly what Miami needs: reliable innings. The veteran has posted an ERA under 4.00 in each of the past four seasons and would slot comfortably behind Sandy Alcantara and Max Meyer.
Unlike a pure rental, Wacha is also under contract beyond this season, giving Miami stability if it wants to compete again in 2027.
Miami has received the least production from its third basemen in the league, making Crawford an intriguing target despite being a natural shortstop.
The veteran has shifted around Seattle's infield and is batting .212 with a .336 on-base percentage, 10 home runs, and a 105 wRC+. His disciplined approach at the plate would immediately strengthen a lineup that values getting runners on base.
If the Astros listen on Paredes, Miami should be interested.
The 27-year-old is hitting .251 with 12 home runs and a 118 wRC+, bringing the right-handed power the Marlins have lacked at third base. While his defense isn't elite, his offensive production would easily outweigh those concerns for a team desperate to upgrade the position.
With a club option for 2027, Paredes would also fit Miami's long-term timeline.
Like the Bell trade, none of these moves would require the Marlins to empty their farm system. Instead, each represents a veteran who could address a clear weakness while giving Miami a legitimate chance to make another postseason run.
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But with the trade deadline approaching, that may not matter as much as it seems.
If there's one thing baseball has shown over the years, it's that contenders are often willing to bet on talent over ugly surface numbers. And Fairbanks still has plenty of both.
The veteran closer owns a 7.27 ERA this season, though that number is somewhat misleading. Nearly half of the earned runs he's allowed came in just three appearances. Though his underlying numbers remain far more encouraging.
Fairbanks is still averaging 97.3 mph on his fastball and striking out 28.8% of opposing hitters. His expected ERA also paints a much different picture than his traditional statistics, suggesting there's still plenty of value beneath the rough first half.
That could become important if Miami decides to move him before Aug. 3.
The Marlins suddenly find themselves in an interesting position. Their excellent June has pushed them back into the National League Wild Card conversation. That means Peter Bendix's deadline plans are far less straightforward than they appeared a month ago.
However, similar to the 2023 MLB trade deadline, here are the 5 realistic trade ideas the Marlins could explore:
Royce Lewis, Minnesota Twins
The Marlins are currently looking to strengthen their lineup with an impact bat to enhance their playoff chances. According to reports from Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Miami is willing to trade top pitching prospects to acquire offensive talent, with a particular need at third base.
Among the potential targets mentioned are Josh Jung, Royce Lewis, and Nolan Gorman.
Lewis of the Minnesota Twins emerges as a particularly logical and cost-effective option for the Marlins. The Twins are reportedly seeking pitching upgrades and may be open to trading Lewis.
Additionally, his affordable $2.85 million salary would also make sense for the Marlins as the price tag won't make any dent on their already tight budget.
While Lewis has a history of injuries, he has shown significant power potential when healthy and controllable through 2028, making him an attractive addition to the Marlins' middle order.
Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals
After Lewis, another name that sounds equally convincing is Nolan Gorman.
Just as Bowden mentioned, the Marlins are prioritizing their third base and are exploring adding another batter to the lineup.
Making it to the playoffs and making a deep run is what Miami is looking for. However, their choice could also depend on whether the Texas Rangers or the St. Louis Cardinals want to cut Gorman or Jung.
Michael Wacha, Kansas City Royals
The Marlins' rotation has exceeded expectations, but injuries have exposed its lack of depth.
Wacha would provide exactly what Miami needs: reliable innings. The veteran has posted an ERA under 4.00 in each of the past four seasons and would slot comfortably behind Sandy Alcantara and Max Meyer.
Unlike a pure rental, Wacha is also under contract beyond this season, giving Miami stability if it wants to compete again in 2027.
J.P. Crawford, Seattle Mariners
Miami has received the least production from its third basemen in the league, making Crawford an intriguing target despite being a natural shortstop.
The veteran has shifted around Seattle's infield and is batting .212 with a .336 on-base percentage, 10 home runs, and a 105 wRC+. His disciplined approach at the plate would immediately strengthen a lineup that values getting runners on base.
Isaac Paredes, Houston Astros
If the Astros listen on Paredes, Miami should be interested.
The 27-year-old is hitting .251 with 12 home runs and a 118 wRC+, bringing the right-handed power the Marlins have lacked at third base. While his defense isn't elite, his offensive production would easily outweigh those concerns for a team desperate to upgrade the position.
With a club option for 2027, Paredes would also fit Miami's long-term timeline.
Like the Bell trade, none of these moves would require the Marlins to empty their farm system. Instead, each represents a veteran who could address a clear weakness while giving Miami a legitimate chance to make another postseason run.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
