Coming off of a 6-1 road trip, the Miami Marlins could be motivated to pursue a trade for a starting pitcher and second baseman. Citing their recent success, the Miami Herald noted Ian Kennedy and Wade Miley could be atop the Marlins' wish list.
Miami is aware of its position in the standings. The team is just waiting to ensure it can be consistent before adding to the roster.
Coming off of a 6-1 road trip, the best seven game trip in franchise history, the Marlins are heading into a three game series with the Washington Nationals still unsure of the types of moves they will make before Thursday's trade deadline.
Not trading away Giancarlo Stanton, Casey McGehee, or other young core players, the Marlins could look to trade away Steve Cishek or Mike Dunn before the deadline. But if they win the series, the Marlins could look to add a second baseman and starting pitcher, two of the team's primary needs.
Clark Spencer of The Miami Herald listed a few names that could satisfy the Marlins' need to add a starter who would be under club control for more than just one season.
Tommy Milone, Oakland Athletics
Milone has posted a 6-3 record to complement a 3.55 ERA and 4.43 FIP in 96 and a third innings pitched. Milone typically has command of all of his pitches (2.43 BB/9), but reportedly asked to be traded following a demotion.
Milone was bounced to the minors after the A’s traded for starters Jeff Samardzijaand Jason Hammel. Milone is appealing to the Marlins in that he is not eligible for free agency until 2018.
In addition to the fact that Milone would be under club control moving forward, he is a left-handed pitcher that would balance out a right-handed heavy Miami rotation. Brad Hand is the Marlins' lone lefty starter, with Randy Wolf in the same spot when he was with the club.
Since he was demoted to accomadate Samardzija and Hammel, it may not take much to acquire Milone, although the fact that he has major league experience will likely be a focal point in discussions.
Wade Miley, Arizona Diamondbacks
Miley is 6-7 with a 4.34 ERA and and 3.93 FIP in 139 innings pitched for the Diamondbacks. He is not eligible for free agency for three more seasons, and like Milone, would be a nice left-handed addition to the Marlins' rotation.
Miley, a fly-ball pitcher who would fit well at Marlins Park, has gone 36-30 with a 3.73 ERA in 91 career starts with the Diamondbacks.
Considering the struggles of the Diamondbacks in 2014, the organization will likely be inclined to move pieces like Miley. But since they will have several players to offer and could be in full sell mode, Arizona could request several prospects in a deal.
Ian Kennedy, San Diego Padres
Kennedy has gone 8-9 with a 3.66 ERA and 3.11 FIP in 135 and a third innings pitched for the Padres this season. Of all the "available" starting pitchers, Kennedy is among those with the most experience. But with that, Kennedy only has one year of arbitration left
Kennedy brings more experience (61-49 with a 3.96 ERA in 163 career starts) but is closer to free agency and, with only one arbitration year left, would be a costlier option for the Marlins.
Since San Diego is having a rough season, the asking price for Kennedy may be a bit high.
Since they are not eligible for free agency after the season, all of the possible starters the Marlins could be looking at could require at least a pair of prospects to make the deal reality.
Miami will likely wait until after the series with the Nationals to add an arm, making the three game set that much more important.