Marlins quiet at Deadline, could still make moves

MIAMI -- After exploring offers on right-hander Dan Straily and backup catcher A.J. Ellis, the Marlins refrained from making any additional deals before Monday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline.
But as one trade window closed, another will open on Tuesday -- the revocable waiver period, which will run through Aug. 31. So players can still be dealt, but first they much clear waivers.
"I think usually you see more big money moving at the end of this, just because you can get those guys through waivers," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said.
If a player clears waivers, it doesn't mean he will be dealt, it just makes it easier to move him. Clubs can also pull a player off waivers if it doesn't want to lose the player, making the process for trades a little more tricky.
A likely Marlins player to clear waivers is second baseman Dee Gordon, in the second of a five-year, $50 million contract. If he does clear, it doesn't automatically mean he will be dealt. But he could be, depending on whether there is a trade match.

Conversely, it is extremely doubtful catcher J.T. Realmuto, a bargain at $562,500, outfielder Christian Yelich, in the third year of a seven-year, $49.57 million contract, and outfielder Marcell Ozuna, making $3.5 million, would clear waivers. The Marlins have no intention of dealing any of them in August. Perhaps after the season they will be open to exploring deals.
Giancarlo Stanton, who will make $25 million in 2018, is in the third season of a 13-year, $325 million contract.
"August is always difficult in terms of the ability to make a trade, just because you put players on waivers," Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. "Whomever claims them, you can only deal with one club. It's probably a little more difficult to do things, but we'll see what August brings, and if there is opportunity for us to add and put more players into our system."
Even without making a move at the non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Marlins were active. They made three deals, beginning with shortstop Adeiny Hechavarría going to the Rays for two prospects on June 26.
On July 20, the Marlins sent reliever David Phelps to the Mariners, and AJ Ramos went to the Mets on July 28.

Those moves strengthened the organizational depth, with four players acquired in deals entering Miami's MLBPipeline.com's Top 30 rankings -- right-hander Merandy Gonzalez (sixth), outfielder Brayan Hernandez (eighth), right-hander Pablo López (23rd) and outfielder Ricardo Cespedes (24th).
Additionally, Braxton Lee, acquired in the Hechavarria deal, is leading off and playing plus defense in center field for Double-A Jacksonville. Lee projects as a fourth outfielder.
The Marlins are not expected to trade Straily in August, but Ellis, who drew interest from the Cubs and Rockies, is a candidate to be moved, especially if there is a catching need.
A player must be on a club's roster by Sept. 1 in order to play in the postseason.
"I think we're pleased with each of the deals we made and were able to accomplish," Hill said. "We brought in arms and athletes. We brought in more talent. … I've always said that we've made numerous trades where we sent talent out the door. We've tried to hold onto our players and add the best we can."