The Marlins made separate trade offers to the Rangers and Reds for Marcell Ozuna earlier this winter, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports. The Fish wanted starting pitching back in both proposed deals, and it seems as if there was little-to-no room for further negotiations in these offers; Jackson writes that the Marlins “decided internally that they would trade [Ozuna] only if those teams met their exact asking price.”
It should be noted that these offers were both made before Miami signed Wei-Yin Chen, so the team’s need for rotation help is no longer quite as dire. Still, as the Marlins feel “a team can never have enough pitching,” Jackson thinks the Fish would revisit trading Ozuna if Texas or Cincinnati agreed to their demands.
Ozuna has been mentioned in rumors for months as a major trade chip Miami could use to acquire at least one solid young rotation piece. Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria reportedly had developed some bad blood with Ozuna and agent Scott Boras over Ozuna’s demotion to Triple-A (which Boras claimed was done to stall Ozuna’s service time and not for developmental reasons) so it was seen as just a matter of time before a trade was finalized.
While at least 10 teams showed interest and at least one deal (with the Mariners) was heavily discussed, however, the tide had seemingly turned towards Ozuna staying in Miami. Personal issues aside, Loria and the front office were insisting on a very big return for Ozuna and weren’t willing to just give such a promising young outfielder away. New manager Don Mattingly and new hitting coach Barry Bonds were also lobbying to keep Ozuna, which undoubtedly played a factor. Since Chen is also a Boras client, it stands to reason that relations between Loria and the agent have also somewhat improved.
The Rangers have been connected to Ozuna in trade rumors for months, though it’s something of an imperfect fit since while Texas has some intriguing young arms (i.e. Chi Chi Gonzalez, Nick Martinez), they could use those reinforcements themselves in the Major League rotation. Delino DeShields also emerged as a good center fielder for the Rangers in 2015 so they didn’t have a huge need at the position, though Ozuna would’ve been an upgrade.
This is the first time we’ve heard of the Reds attached to Ozuna, though their interest makes sense given their outfield needs. Right fielder Jay Bruce is entering his last guaranteed year under contract and is available for trades, while the Reds are currently planning to use a platoon of unproven youngsters in left. Of course, Billy Hamilton is already Cincinnati’s regular center fielder, and he’s shown such a spectacular glove that if Ozuna did join the Reds, he’d be the one moving to left.
While the Reds have been in rebuild mode by dealing Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Marlon Byrd, Aroldis Chapman and Todd Frazier in the last seven months, Ozuna (25) is young enough to fit Walt Jocketty’s plan to quickly reload and contend again by 2017. Even moreso than Texas, however, Cincinnati is lacking in pitching depth — they were using an all-rookie rotation for much of last season after Cueto and Leake were dealt. The Reds have righties Robert Stephenson and Keury Mella and southpaws Amir Garrett and Cody Reed among their top prospects, and the club may prefer to see if those young arms can develop into long-term pieces for their uncertain rotation rather than deal one or more of them for Ozuna.
If the Reds can get him for prospect(s) not named Stephenson, Reed, or Iglesias, do it
Agreed. I would add DeSclafani to that list, but you know the asking price had to be one of those.
i would think the Marlins want ready MLB not prospects.
That’s what makes a trade so unlikely. I doubt a team will part with young controllable major league ready pitching for an outfielder even a good one. I think of pitchers like Kevin Gausman of the Orioles or Carlos Rodon from the White Sox and I would rather have them then Ozuna.
A Rodon for Ozuna trade actually makes some sense. Not saying it will happen, or that it should, but it makes sense based on what both teams are going for. Rodon is a much much better prospect though.
I am betting the Marlins made some kind of an Ozuna for Billy Hamilton + a pitcher offer to the Reds.
Marlins would have asked for Iglesias. Hopefully not more than that. As I believe that to be a fair trade.
That probably would be fair, but I still wouldn’t do it if I were the Reds. I just don’t think there’s enough value to be gained and would rather just keep Iglesias
If the Marlins would accept BHam and descafani back for ozuna…..DEAL
No way!!
No way they trade Hamilton for Ozuna!
Yeah. Maybe Don and Barry can teach Billy Hamilton how to get on first. Because once he dies,it’s a show. And,he’s already Gold Glove material. Like they say,you can’t steal first. Unfortunately . I’d take Hamiltin and a young pitcher or two,maybe Bruce,and you have something. Do they need a second baseman. ? Ask Phillips. I’d like to see him stay. I really would. Great player,entertaining both on and off the girls,and a good guy in the community.He’s been in Cincinnati a long time. He’s broken some of Joe Morgan’s records. But,if they feel they have to trade him,I guess you should.
I think the Marlins are set at 2B with Gordon signing a $50M extension last week.
Ozuna would have been an upgrade over Deshields? Not so sure about that Polishuk.
As a Marlins fan, I’d be intrigued in Iglesias. However, I don’t see what the hoopla is with Ozuna. I’m not too high on him, but if the Fish can fleece someone (doubt it) I’m down for that.
I don’t know if “lacking of depth” is exactly how to describe Cincinnati’s pitching. They have at least 7 or 8 arms with a legitimate shot at making the rotation out of spring training. “Young and unproven” is probably more accurate
Agreed. Check out this depth… and this is just off the top of my head. There’s probably others who they recently added who have a shot to make a start this year.
Started last year:
1. Disco
2. Iglesias
3. Lorenzen
4. Lamb
5. Finnegan
6. Sampson
7. Moscot
8. Cingrani
9 Bailey (will start on DL)
No starts but shot in 2016
1. Stephenson
2. Davis
3. Reed
Isn’t everyone overvaluing Ozuna a little bit here? He had a very nice 2014, but it’s sandwiched around two (albeit not full) mediocre years. There’s no way I’d give Iglesias for him.
I was thinking the same thing he’s not a great obp guy with a bunch of strike outs. He could improve but could be a total bust as well.
Bailey
I am sure the Reds would trade Bailey for an Ozuna jersey straight up.
How about a straight up deal Ender Inciarte for Joey Gallo.