Miami Marlins trade rumors: Steve Cishek on the move at deadline?
By Hayden Kane
With the Major League Baseball trade deadline fast approaching, there might be another closer added to the market for teams in need of bullpen help.
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The Miami Marlins, long in hopes of sticking around in the standings long enough to be buyers at the deadline, might finally be forced to concede their status as sellers and start looking at deals to add to their already impressive farm system.
In a video for Fox Sports, Ken Rosenthal reports that the Marlins are still trying to decide whether or not they are buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. Either way, it sounds like they plan to be active. Rosenthal also notes that the team is leaning towards selling.
If that is the case, closer Steve Cishek will likely be at the top of the list of available players. The Miami closer is pitching well this season and is eventually going to price himself out of the Marlins’ range as his salary increases in arbitration in the coming seasons.
In anticipation of that fact and considering the bullpen needs of a number of buyers, the Marlins might trade Cishek. There were some grumblings that Cishek might be available earlier this season, and with the Marlins falling in the standings that possibility now seems more likely. So far in 2014, the side-winding reliever has a 3.66 ERA and 20 saves. He is striking hitters out at a career-best clip of 10.5 K/9.
The trade market for Texas Rangers’ closer Joakim Soria reportedly heated up after Huston Street was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels to fill their void in the ninth inning. The Marlins could throw a wrench into that market if they try to acquire value for Cishek.