The Marlins have been a popular team so far this offseason, targeting high-end free agents like Albert Pujols, Jose Reyes, Ryan Madson, and Mark Buehrle. While they're busy trying to lure free agents to their new ballpark in Miami, they also have decisions to make about some players they currently employ. Juan Carlos Oviedo's situation is rather unique, but 25-year-old righty Chris Volstad is a more traditional non-tender candidate.
Now four-plus years into his big league career, Volstad has made at least 29 starts for the Fish in each of the last three seasons. During that time he's pitched to a 4.88 ERA in 499 2/3 innings (88 starts), relying on ground balls (49.9%) rather than strikeouts (5.87 K/9). Volstad does a decent job of limiting walks (3.03 BB/9), but he's struggled against left-handed batters (.278/.342/.465 against) and tends to be pretty homer prone (1.24 HR/9) despite the ground ball tendencies.
The Marlins may have telegraphed their intentions for Volstad when they declined to invite him to their new uniform unveiling earlier this month. Our projections peg the right-hander for a $2.6MM salary next season, his first time through the arbitration process. Volstad figures to be affordable enough that the Marlins might not have to non-tender him before the December 12th deadline, they could probably find a trade partner. Baseball America ranked him as Florida's top prospect as recently as 2008, and he'd remain under team control through the 2014 season.
At the moment, the Marlins' rotation figures to include Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, and Anibal Sanchez. They're making a play for Buehrle and have kicked the tires on C.J. Wilson, and there's a non-zero chance that Javier Vazquez will return. Brad Hand and the recently acquired Wade LeBlanc are in the mix as well. If they deem Volstad expendable, he shouldn't have much trouble finding a new team for next season. It's just a question of whether he gets to choose his next club, or if the Marlins will choose it for him.
Seattle and our cavernous outfield will take him.
Maybe he’d thrive in Petco?
“we need more marginal starting pitchers with flyball tendencies.”
– not the padres
It would be so nice — and so refreshing to read — stories on this website if writers could find more original and creative ways to write than to rely on stock, cliche phrases such as “kick the tires,” “sweepstakes” and “derby” when covering teams exploring trades or free agent signings. Just sayin’…
and what new cliches would you use?? Nice that you can “just say” and not offer any recommendations….
Good point. Just another hater…
Volstad to Detroit!
Any possibility for a Guthrie for Volstad trade?
Is that serious?
He’d be a nice pick up for the Mets
Yep. Gotta think Sandy would be in on him if he’s non-tendered.
I think it would be a bad idea.
For 2.5 million, nothing can get worse for them.
He had an xFIP of 3.64 in 2011. Expect those HR rates to drop in Citi Field and you have a nice back of the rotation guy for peanuts.
I would prefer a lefty starter to take on the Phillies over Volstad.
Just throwing this out here how about figgins for volstad with Seattle eating all of Figgins contract or at least most of it?
why would seattle do that?
Why wouldnt they Figgins is lost cause over there and they want to bump him already
I guess he means, if Volstad were to be a non-tender candidate then what purpose would it serve to trade Figgins if not to save money, which they obviously wouldn’t be doing if they ate his contract.
I guess it doesn’t make sense for both teams.
I doubt he will be non tendered they will probably sign him and trade him later
volstad for erstad? aint that boy still playin?
Ryan Howard has hit eight career homers off Volstad. Volstad gets killed by the Phillies.
Dump him!
Volstad to Milwaukee…Nyjer needs a friend…
I was going to refrain from making this comment but I would love to see Nyjer destroy him in a one on one locker room brawl.
Not sure that would happen, Nyjer talks a big game but I don’t see him taking anyone down. He needs to restrain himself from making a buffoon out of his name as he always does. Not directed towards his alter-ego, T-Plush, but towards his unnecessary aggressions towards his fellow baseball counterparts.
I think he has too much of a hockey mentality in him but I think Volstad was much more to blame for the fight. The 1st time he hit Nyjer, he bowed his head, didn’t say anything and took his base. The idea that stealing 2nd and 3rd when his team is down by several runs warranted him being thrown at the next time around was ridiculous. Nyjer was justified in rushing him.
Always listen to your gut…when it says “refrain”…….refrain….silly unnecessary comment.
Morgan
Height: 6-0
Weight: 175
Volstad
Height: 6-8
Weight: 230
I take volstad
Gaby and Volstad (plus a prospect or two) for Marcum. That way Nyjer can have two friends.
I have the perfect location: Cincinnati Reds. The Reds need a starter.
The Reds have plenty of starters as good as Volstad. The Reds need a top of the rotation arm.
Mets send Mike Pelfrey for Grandal and Alonso. He was our ACE!
The Royals seem like a decent fit…
If the Royals are considering Luke Hochevar as a #3, then there’s no reason they shouldn’t consider Volstad, who is 3 years younger for a place in their rotation.
Hochevar: 585 IP 623 H 68 HR 196 BB 387 K GB% 49.1 FIP 4.52 xFIP 4.19
C Volstad: 584 IP 619 H 72 HR 204 BB 378 K GB% 50.4 FIP 4.41 xFIP 4.27
I’m not sure there are two pitchers in the majors right now who are more statistically similar than Hochevar and Volstad. If they’re cool with Hochevar, they should have no problems with Volstad.
Mets?
I can see the Pirates taking a bite. Young, team-controlled, a little bit of upside. And 3-4 million sounds about right, after Barajas and Barmes.
If the Fish land Puljols, Volsted and Gabby to the Rox for Stewart and Street.
This really sounds like someone the Padres sign to a one year deal and let him walk after the Petco affect.
Don’t bring him back! Don’t bring him back!
How dare you dishonor MLBTRADERUMORS!!!!!!
Only if they were to miss on Wilson and Kuroda