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A six-game losing streak has put the Miami Marlins' playoff hopes at risk, and the clock is ticking to improve the roster as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches.
Marlins principal owner Bruce Sherman gave president of baseball operations Peter Bendix the green light to upgrade the roster. Miami is operating with a "buyer" mentality for the first time since 2023.
The team is four games over .500, in third place in the National League East division and is competing for the final NL Wild Card spot. A historic June, which the team went 20-6, has propelled them to this point, and Sherman wants to capitalize on that momentum.
Roster weaknesses are exposing themselves, like third base, at the worst time, and Miami needs to move quickly. The Athletic released a list of the top available players ahead of the deadline, and there are some promising names that could fit the Marlins and help propel the club to the playoffs.
Paredes would give Miami a versatile power hitter; pairing him with batting-average league leader Otto Lopez would strengthen the Marlins’ offense. The 27-year-old is having a down season with a worse slugging percentage (.414, down from .458) and OPS (.763, down from .806).
A struggling Paredes is still an effective hitter, though, with 12 home runs and 50 RBI. Miami's third basemen, Javier Sanoja, Leo Himenez and Graham Pauley do not have Paredes' power, as they combine for six home runs and 54 RBI.
Miami could acquire the Astros' third baseman, who is on a one-year, $9.35 million deal. The team is underperforming with a 47-54 record on the season.
Shaw is a versatile defender, having played multiple positions for the Cubs except shortstop and catcher. The 2023 first-round pick could be on his way out with the addition of Alex Bregman in the offseason and Nico Hoerner and Michael Busch unlikely to be traded.
Chicago's Swiss Army knife has played two games at first base, seven at second, five at third, two at left field, one at center and 26 at right. Shaw has a 1.000 fielding percentage at every position, but second base (.955).
The Athletic believes Shaw is unlikely to be moved, and if he isn't, it isn't the worst outcome for Miami with other third basemen available.
Plus, as a first-round pick, the Marlins potentially would have to part with talented young prospects to acquire Shaw.
The Athletic believes Suárez is the most likely of the third basemen that could fit with Miami to be traded. The 35-year-old is a go big or go home kind of hitter. He had 36 home runs in 106 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2025 before his production cratered, dropping to 12 homers — the same amount this season with the Reds — after the Seattle Mariners traded for him.
His fielding stats are shaky compared to the Marlins' third base depth. Suárez has a .962 fielding percentage, but offers no versatility at other positions, really limiting his on-field value.
At 35, acquiring Suárez could be a high-risk, high-reward move. Gambling on potential is something Miami should likely avoid in pursuit of its playoff dreams.
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Marlins principal owner Bruce Sherman gave president of baseball operations Peter Bendix the green light to upgrade the roster. Miami is operating with a "buyer" mentality for the first time since 2023.
The team is four games over .500, in third place in the National League East division and is competing for the final NL Wild Card spot. A historic June, which the team went 20-6, has propelled them to this point, and Sherman wants to capitalize on that momentum.
Roster weaknesses are exposing themselves, like third base, at the worst time, and Miami needs to move quickly. The Athletic released a list of the top available players ahead of the deadline, and there are some promising names that could fit the Marlins and help propel the club to the playoffs.
Isaac Paredes, Houston Astros
Paredes would give Miami a versatile power hitter; pairing him with batting-average league leader Otto Lopez would strengthen the Marlins’ offense. The 27-year-old is having a down season with a worse slugging percentage (.414, down from .458) and OPS (.763, down from .806).
A struggling Paredes is still an effective hitter, though, with 12 home runs and 50 RBI. Miami's third basemen, Javier Sanoja, Leo Himenez and Graham Pauley do not have Paredes' power, as they combine for six home runs and 54 RBI.
Miami could acquire the Astros' third baseman, who is on a one-year, $9.35 million deal. The team is underperforming with a 47-54 record on the season.
Matt Shaw, Chicago Cubs
Shaw is a versatile defender, having played multiple positions for the Cubs except shortstop and catcher. The 2023 first-round pick could be on his way out with the addition of Alex Bregman in the offseason and Nico Hoerner and Michael Busch unlikely to be traded.
Chicago's Swiss Army knife has played two games at first base, seven at second, five at third, two at left field, one at center and 26 at right. Shaw has a 1.000 fielding percentage at every position, but second base (.955).
The Athletic believes Shaw is unlikely to be moved, and if he isn't, it isn't the worst outcome for Miami with other third basemen available.
Plus, as a first-round pick, the Marlins potentially would have to part with talented young prospects to acquire Shaw.
Eugenio Suárez, Cincinnati Reds
The Athletic believes Suárez is the most likely of the third basemen that could fit with Miami to be traded. The 35-year-old is a go big or go home kind of hitter. He had 36 home runs in 106 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2025 before his production cratered, dropping to 12 homers — the same amount this season with the Reds — after the Seattle Mariners traded for him.
His fielding stats are shaky compared to the Marlins' third base depth. Suárez has a .962 fielding percentage, but offers no versatility at other positions, really limiting his on-field value.
At 35, acquiring Suárez could be a high-risk, high-reward move. Gambling on potential is something Miami should likely avoid in pursuit of its playoff dreams.
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...
