MLB Rumors: Marlins Starter Would “Embrace” Trade

There were a number of trade rumors surrounding the Miami Marlins pitching staff at the trade deadline at the end of July. Most of which revolved around starter Pablo Lopez. 

Turns out, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, Lopez "read with interest the trade rumors"—the most prominent of which featured the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. How 'interested' was he in seeing them? Heyman says Lopez is definitely "open to new adventures."

“I would embrace it 100 percent,” Lopez said. Heyman believes that the promising young right-hander will, indeed, be dealt this winter. 

It's believed that Marlins GM Kim Ng was asking for a king's ransom for Lopez at the deadline. From the Yankees, she was rumored to be asking for Gleyber Torres plus Yankees' top prospects; from the Dodgers, it was Gavin Lux plus three top prospects.

Per Source, The #Marlins did in fact have talks with the Dodgers. The price that the Marlins had was three prospects and Gavin Lux.

— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) August 3, 2022

Lopez has broken through as a top-flight starter the past three seasons for Miami, with ERAs in the 3s for all three years, with a 330:94 K/BB ratio over that period. 

The 26-year-old is under team control through the 2024 season. And while his numbers have taken a hit since the trade deadline—a 5.40 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in his last seven starts—it's unknown if Ng's asking price might be a little more reasonable in the offseason.

Photos: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports, Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports