MLB Rumors: Marlins, Twins Talked Trade Over Starting Pitcher

The Miami Marlins are still in the market to add some bats to their moribund offense. The latest chatter has them talking trade with the Minnesota Twins, looking at available starting pitcher Pablo Lopez.

But according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the Twins weren't biting on the Fish's bait.

Luis Arraez and Max Kepler were said to be names discussed, but Minnesota doesn’t want to part with Arraez.

Luis Arraez was the American League batting champion in 2022, hitting .316 with a .375 on-base, and a .795 OPS. The 25-year-old also was named to his first All-Star team, as well as winning the Silver Slugger at the Utility position. He spent time at first base, second base, third base, and DH for the Twins.

Luis Arraez who is a batting champion that rarely strikes out and will give you 500-600 PAs is worth more than Pablo Lopez who is a #3 starter. I’m not opposed to trading Arraez, but need more in return.
— Jeff (@MNTwinsZealot) January 13, 2023

Only going into his 5th season, he still has three more years of team control. The Twins are certainly loath to letting him go, even for a premium starting pitcher like Lopez.

Kepler, on the other hand, has been rumored to be on his way out of Minnesota this offseason. The soon-to-be 30 year old struggled with the bat for the third straight season, hitting just .227 with a .666 OPS, and just nine home runs—his career low for a full season.

The Twins' outfield is chock-full of candidates, and Kepler is definitely expendable. They are still considered a possible trade candidate for one of the Marlins' young rotation arms, but they'll have to come back with another offer.

Photo: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports