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MLB Trade Rumors: Marlins targeting Hector Santiago

July 20, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Hector Santiago (53) throws in the third inning against Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 20, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Hector Santiago (53) throws in the third inning against Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

With the MLB trade deadline right around the corner, there have been a lot of MLB trade rumors about who the Miami Marlins will be targeting.

The Miami Marlins are one of the teams that have already been proven to be a buyer this season, and they are still being mentioned in MLB trade rumors. After losing a big series at home to the New York Mets, the Marlins need to upgrade their starting rotation if they are going to make a run at the National League East title.

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According to Jon Morosi, the Marlins are targeting Hector Santiago of the Los Angeles Angels as a trade option to improve their starting rotation. Aside from Jose Fernandez, the Marlins don’t have much in their starting rotation, and Santiago would be an upgrade.

For his standards, Santiago is having a down season for the Angels this year, as he has totaled an 8-4 record with a 4.32 ERA. The record for Santiago is impressive on a team that is well under .500, but his ERA is nearly a point higher than he has totaled in his career.

Despite the down season, Santiago would be a great complement to Fernandez in the Marlins’ rotation, as he would benefit from the move to the National League. With a few days left before the deadline, the Marlins will be doing their diligence on other options at starting pitcher, as that is clearly a need.

With Fernando Rodney already being acquired to help strengthen the bullpen, the Marlins will be aggressive in trying to acquire a starting pitcher to be one of the final pieces of the puzzle.

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