Tender deadline nears for seven, including Stanton

MIAMI -- Before turning their attention to the open market, the Marlins have some housekeeping to take care of on Monday before the 11:59 p.m. ET tender deadline.

Decisions must be made on all of Miami's arbitration-eligible players by midnight.

The list features Giancarlo Stanton, Steve Cishek, Logan Morrison, Justin Ruggiano, Ryan Webb, Chris Coghlan and Mike Dunn. All are arbitration eligible for the first time, except Webb, who is in his second season.

The Marlins are expected to tender contracts to all seven, but that doesn't necessarily mean each player will be part of the team's plans for 2014.

Stanton, the 24-year-old right fielder, is a player being closely watched. In arbitration for the first time, his salary projects to escalate from $537,000 to about $7 million.

The Marlins have internally discussed whether to present Stanton with a long-term contract. If that doesn't occur, the team has repeatedly stated the slugger is a centerpiece for the upcoming season.

Stanton is coming off a down year, by his standards. He batted .249 with 24 homers and 62 RBIs. Since being called up in 2010, Stanton has 117 homers and 294 RBIs in 489 games. He also has a .354 on-base percentage and a .535 slugging percentage.

Cishek is another core piece for next year. The right-hander secured the closer role in 2013, compiling 34 saves in 36 chances.

Morrison's future with the Marlins remains up in the air. The left-handed-hitting first baseman likely will be tendered, but there is speculation that he could be shopped next week at the Winter Meetings. Morrison batted .242 with six homers and 36 RBIs last season.

Ruggiano and Coghlan round out the team's list of first-year arbitration players. The two project to be in reserve roles.

Ruggiano was second to Stanton on the team in homers, with 18, and he plays all three outfield spots. Some teams have inquired about Ruggiano, who could be a trade piece. But there are also signs the Marlins are likely to retain the right-handed-hitting outfielder.

Coghlan was slowed by injury in '13, and he appeared in just 70 games. If he isn't traded, he is a left-handed hitter who can also play all three outfield spots, and he could factor into playing some third base.

Webb, a right-handed reliever, appeared in 66 games, and he logged 80 1/3 innings in a setup role. He made $975,000 in his first season of arbitration.

Dunn, a hard-throwing lefty setup reliever, posted a 2.66 ERA in 75 games.