The Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins could hook up for a Starling Marte trade, assuming both sides are interested.
Trading within the same division is always a bold choice, but if there were ever a time to do it, it’s for a one-year rental. As much as the Miami Marlins have made it obvious their intention on signing Starling Marte to an extension, it has yet to come to fruition.
Hence, Marte’s name is still very much on the trade market. The Phillies could use an outfielder in their push for the NL East crown, which the Marlins will likely not be obtaining this season barring an unforeseen run.
Per FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray, the Phillies are among the best possible suitors for Marte:
“There is expected to be a strong market for Marte, with the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves likely to show interest…The Phillies and Braves, meanwhile, both rank in the bottom-five in OPS in center field and desperately need upgrades as they battle in an increasingly winnable NL East.”
MLB rumors: Could the Phillies trade for Marlins outfielder Starling Marte?
Sure. Technically, anything is possible.
The Phillies have tough competition for Marte, and because they’re in the same division they may have to up the ante in terms of prospect capital.
Phillies Get
OF, Starling Marte
Marlins Get
OF, Johan Rojas
P, Roman Rosso
Johan Rojas is the seventh-ranked prospect in the Phillies system, and at just 20 years old, has plenty of room to grow as a potential outfielder of the future. He’s a better caliber of prospect than most teams would probably offer for a potential one-year rental. But this is Dave Dombrowski we’re talking about.
Rosso is 25 and the team’s 18th-ranked prospect. He should sweeten the deal a bit.
It may seem like a lot to give up, but once again, in-division trades are tough. And expect Dombrowski to try and sign Marte to an extension upon arrival, too, just to make the deal worth the Phillies’ while.