MLB power rankings: Giants, Cardinals, Indians surging before trade deadline
By Sean Sears
28. Miami Marlins, 38-62, last in the NL East (ranked 28th last week)
The Marlins managed to take two of three games away from the Padres last week but were swept by the Dodgers and have split the first two games between the White Sox this week. The Marlins have reportedly had some interest in Trevor Richards and closer Sergio Romo, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. And while neither of the Marlin pitchers is going to move that needle all that much for teams, Romo adds a veteran with closing and postseason experience while Richards is a controllable starter with some upside.
Miami was reportedly listening to offers for 2B Starlin Castro last week and have been trying to trade the 29-year-old vet since they acquired him last season. The Marlins could also consider moving OF Garrett Cooper, who’s 11 home runs and .870 OPS would make him one of the more attractive pieces on a market lacking any true elite hitters. At 28, Cooper’s long-term future with the Marlins doesn’t match up with their competitive window and could net Miami some prospect with upside. Teams like the Cubs, Indians, and Cardinals could all benefit from a bat-like Cooper at the moment.
27. Toronto Blue Jays, 39-65, 4th in the AL East (ranked 25th last week)
With a 4-6 record over their last 10 games, the Blue Jays are in full sell mode at the moment, with more and more names from their roster popping up in trade rumors. There was a report last week linking teams to Eric Sogard, who’s having a solid season at 34-years-old. Reliever Ken Giles is one of the best late-inning options on the market at the moment, with the Yankees, Twins, Braves, and Red Sox all reportedly having interest in Giles.
But the big name is Marcus Stroman, the most enticing pitcher available at the deadline this year, Stroman has started to pitch his best as he gets closer to being moved. In his last four starts, Stroman is sporting a 2.35 ERA with 22 to 5 K: BB ratio holding batters to just a .250 batting average during those four starts. And with Toronto having to designated former top prospect Dalton Pompey earlier this week, the Blue Jays should be ready to add an influx of talent from moving Stroman.