3 trade proposals for the Texas Rangers and Miami Marlins

The Texas Rangers are looking to continue their stampede forward out of a quick rebuild. The Miami Marlins are trying to break into the playoffs and major title contention. Could these teams be a match for a deal?

There isn’t exactly a long history of trades between these teams. The last exchange was nearly a decade ago when the Rangers acquired infield depth for their run, acquiring Adrian Gonzales from the Marlins back in 2003. Since then, there have only been talks that hindsight says Texas should’ve gone through with.

Back in 2016, talks swirled around sending Chi Chi Gonzales and others for Marcell Ozuna. In 2012, there were rumors of Texas landing Giancarlo Stanton for Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt. As I said, hindsight says the trigger should’ve been pulled on these deals (and why you shouldn’t fall in love with prospects, even though it is difficult).

The Texas Rangers shouldn’t shy away from a deal now either, though it wouldn’t be for a major star player. After all, Miami is looking to compete now, so they’ll try to bolster needs and stack depth while dealing from a position of strength. The Marlins aren’t Tampa or Oakland either, so there is no pressing need to deal with upcoming free agents but for a team that has a difficult time filling its stands, that could be a wise strategy.

3 trade proposals for the Texas Rangers and Miami Marlins

The Marlins had 10 players with 7 or more starts in 2021. They also have 2020 first-rounder, Max Meyers itching to join the big leagues. It makes sense for the fish to trade from depth and this is evidence-based.

Alcantara is out of the Rangers price range, while Lopez is on the edge. Hernandez has been injury-plagued, has underwhelming velocity, and has a terrifying home run rate. That adds up to an affordable player!

It’s not exactly a bargain for the Rangers. Wendzel would land in the Marlins’ top 10 prospects and Calhoun gives them a DH who doubles as an OF. The Texas Rangers get a controllable, back-of-the-rotation arm. Hernandez has yet to pitch over 82 innings in a year and twice posted an ERA over 5. He has shown promise with a 4.18 ERA in 10 starts last year. This is after posting a career-best 3.16 in 6 starts during the 2020 season.

He isn’t an ace pitcher, but is controllable and cheap. It would be a signal that they have full faith in Winn/Leiter making major impacts. The Rangers have Hearn who is likely to see the rotation I’m 2022 but this would allow him to go back to the bullpen, where he thrived if it doesn’t work out. The same goes for Howard.

3 trade proposals for the Texas Rangers and Miami Marlins

This still may not be enough.

Sanchez was the primary piece in the J.T Realmuto trade and was a top 50 overall prospect at one point. There is apparent tension though. Craig Mish put a spotlight on it here. With Sanchez ready for the Major leagues, he was optioned to the alternative site in a time manipulation move. He then suffered a season-ending injury in his first simulated game. To top things off, the Marlins brass aren’t thrilled with his participation during the rehab process.

This could motivate them to send him out. As prior mentioned, the Marlins have plenty of starting pitching depth. Sanchez would immediately step in as the Rangers’ second or third rotation option, but for the fish, he would be in a four-way battle for the final 2 spots.

In return for Sanchez, a major league-ready starting pitcher, the Marlins land a top 100 prospect, a borderline top 100, and a pitcher with a bright green arrow next to his name. That’s not enough, I know, but it’s a start given the Marlins’ lack of fielding depth in the minors. There is another piece missing, but frankly, that depends if Miami likes what they saw in Adolis Garcia during the first half of the season.