Marlins Focusing on Trading Former All-Star Hurler

One of the most talked-about trade candidates this summer is unquestionably Miami Marlins right-hander Pablo Lopez. In fact the 26-year-old was nearly dealt at the trade deadline. But a new report out of Miami has the Marlins more interested in dealing another of their young starters. 

The sense here is the Marlins might be more open to dealing Rogers, who has attracted interest. Lopez, who is under team control for two more years, is very close with Marlins ace and Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara.

That's the word from Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. 

Rogers, the 25-year-old lefty, had a sensational rookie season in 2021, getting named to the NL All-Star team, and finishing with a 2.64 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and a terrific 10.6 K/9. He finished 2nd in the Rookie of the Year balloting to Jonathan India. But Rogers went through a tough sophomore season in 2022, suffering through a 5.47 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP while his strikeout rate fell off to 8.9 K/9. 

A pair of injuries, back spasms and a lat strain that both landed him on the injured list, may have contributed to his poor year, but his trade value is certainly at a low. 

Lopez, 26, posted his third straight strong year with an ERA below 4.00 and a WHIP below 1.20. He had a 3.75 ERA with a 174:53 K/BB ratio, and was close to being sent to the New York Yankees in return for infielder Gleyber Torres before the Bombers pulled the chute at the 11th hour. 

Teams will continue to be asked to hand over a much higher price for Lopez, and may be more apt to take a chance on the former ROY runner-up instead, for a much lower price. 

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports