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MLB Rumors: Marlins, Wei-Yin Chen negotiations heating up

By Matt Whitener

Sep 19, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) reacts as he walks back to the dugout at the end of the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) reacts as he walks back to the dugout at the end of the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Marlins could be emerging as a dark horse contender the top suitor for veteran lefty

Aside from adding a few (very) notable names to their coaching staff and getting into a heated rumors with staff ace Jose Fernandez, the offseason has been largely quiet for the Miami Marlins on the personnel addition front.

However, that could be changing as the team is having negotiations with free agent pitcher Wei-Yin Chen that are reportedly picking up pace. The 30-year-old lefty had previously spent his career to date with the Baltimore Orioles and is arguably the best pitcher remaining on the free agent market at this point in the offseason.

While they did add Edwin Jackson as a depth addition for the rotation last week, Chen would certainly be a marked improvement on the Miami rotation as it currently stands. The rotation currently projects to be anchored by Fernandez, then followed by veterans Jarred Cosart and Tom Koehler.

Chen, who worked to 11-8 record last season along with a career-best 3.34 ERA, would in theory fit in nicely behind Fernandez, and represents a unique opportunity for the Marlins. Although he is tied to draft pick compensation, but the Marlins’ top pick is top 10 protected and would not have to be sacrificed.

However what could be a larger issue is if Chen has moved into the fiscally conscious Marlins’ price range. Chen’s agent Scott Boras was noted as pushing for a contract worth in the range of $100 million over five years early in the winter, which would almost certainly move him outside of the Fish’s reach.

A marriage between Chen and the Marlins could also be complicated due to the checkered relationship between Boras and Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria. Friction between Loria and Bora’s top two clients on the Marlins current roster, Fernandez and Marcell Ozuna, have led to prolonged rumors of the duo being traded away this winter.

In addition to Marlins, the Washington Nationals and Kansas City Royals could are also rumored to have interest Chen as well.

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