MLB Rumors: Marlins Shortstop Receiving Plenty Of Trade Interest

He's been the Miami Marlins starting shortstop for several years now, and his defensive chops are the reason. This fact hasn't escaped some teams who are desperate to add a starting-quality shortstop this offseason. Miguel Rojas is on their radar.

According to Ken Rosenthal in The Athletic:

Before getting Kyle Farmer from the (Cincinnati) Reds, the (Minnesota) Twins expressed interest in acquiring shortstop Miguel Rojas from the Marlins. The (Boston) Red Sox asked about Rojas more recently, but the Marlins value their pitching and defense.

Rosenthal goes on to point out that Rojas was 2nd in the majors in defensive runs saved this past season, and was tied for 6th in Outs Above Average. Rojas was one of three finalists for the National League's Gold Glove Award at short this season, but came up short to the Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson. 

Ironically, it's Swanson's signing with the Chicago Cubs on Saturday that will only ramp up trade interest in Rojas from teams like the Twins and Red Sox, both of whom came up short in the Swanson sweepstakes and were left without a seat after the Shortstop Free Agency Musical Chairs finished. It's understandable that they'd have some interest in a fielder like Rojas.

At the plate, it's been another story, however, for the 33-year-old. He slumped to an eight-year-low .236 average this season with an equally inept .605 OPS. 

But, like Rosenthal noted, the Marlins value their run prevention, and Rojas can still deliver on that front. He says they'll "almost certainly" require a major-league-ready player in return in any Rojas trade. 

Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports