Inbox: Multi-year deal for Gordon?

Now that Dee Gordon had a breakout year, do you think the Marlins will sign him to a long-term contract?
-- Derrick S., Coral Gables, Fla.
Gordon, the National League batting champion, is a strong candidate for an extension. The All-Star second baseman still has three more seasons in arbitration before he would qualify as a free agent in 2019. But the club has already indicated that it is open to a multi-year deal for him. What would it take to get Gordon signed? The Marlins signed Christian Yelich to a seven-year, $49.57 million contract late in Spring Training -- potentially, I could see a similar deal for Gordon.

Can we trade (Marcell) Ozuna for (Roberto) Osuna?
-- @macmango
The Marlins will be exploring the market for closer candidates, but I don't see them approaching the Blue Jays for their rookie right-hander. These two may have similar-sounding last names, but I don't see this scenario happening. The play on names aside, many are wondering if the Marlins intend to trade Marcell Ozuna. They flirted with the idea at the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. Cleveland had interest. My expectations are that Ozuna will remain in Miami, although teams seeking right-handed power are likely to call. Ozuna would be an attractive trade piece for a pitcher, most likely a starter. But he is coming off a disappointing season, and his trade value may not be as high. To me, unless the Marlins get a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter, I don't see a trade happening. My guess is Ozuna will be back in center field for Miami.

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You think Johnny Cueto is on the Marlins' radar, since pitching is a high priority for the offseason?
-- @JVelardi12
Cueto has certainly improved his stock with how he's pitched for the Royals in the playoffs. If the Marlins are willing to get into the high-stakes bidding for a starter, Cueto would make sense. I just don't see him winding up in Miami, though, mainly because some of the league's top-spending teams also will make a push. My projection is Yovani Gallardo, who performed well for the Rangers, being a more realistic free-agent target.

What do you see for the Marlins' payroll?
-- @raulgonzalezmlb
According to the Cot's Baseball Contracts website, the payroll for Miami's Opening Day roster was $69,031,500. Of that figure, the Dodgers paid $10 million of Dan Haren's salary, plus Gordon's $2.5 million contract. The Yankees were on the hook for $3 million of Martin Prado's $11 million salary. Payroll is expected to increase, but it is unclear right now by how much. I think a safe estimate is it will climb to around $80 million. Again, that is to be determined, and if something makes sense, there likely will be wiggle room.