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MLB Trade Rumors: Top 10 remaining offseason trade candidates

By Joshua Sadlock

MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 15: Christian Yelich #21 of the Miami Marlins walks through the dugout before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 15, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 15: Christian Yelich #21 of the Miami Marlins walks through the dugout before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 15, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 30: Christian Yelich #21 of the Miami Marlins in action running during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park on September 30, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Miami Marlins via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 30: Christian Yelich #21 of the Miami Marlins in action running during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park on September 30, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Miami Marlins via Getty Images) /

1. Christian Yelich

For the Miami Marlins to finally bring back a star-studded package of top-100 prospects, their best bet is to move center fielder Christian Yelich before the start of the season. The fact that Yelich has made his desire to be included in the firesale will do nothing to lower his value on the block. The 26-year-old is signed through 2021 with an option for 2022 at a very reasonable rate.

The Giancarlo Stanton trade was all about shedding money, so it makes sense that the return coming back to Miami was small. Marcell Ozuna is not cost-controlled. Again — not a massive package coming from the St. Louis Cardinals in that deal. A Yelich trade is the one where the Marlins will really strike gold. Hopefully.

Yelich will probably never be a transcendent superstar, but he is more than capable of providing steady offense and solid defense in the outfield. Nick Markakis, before his decline, is a very fair comparison when looking at active outfielders, with Yelich bringing slightly higher athleticism.

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What the Marlins really need to push when they shop Yelich is his contract. The Chicago White Sox were able to bring back three top pitching prospects from the Washington Nationals last year for Adam Eaton, who is only slightly cheaper than the Miami center fielder. Patience will be key as the Marlins start picking through legitimate offers. This is the one trade that will shape the future of Derek Jeter’s rebuilding efforts. They need to get it right.

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