Is Monte Harrison or Isan Diaz close to getting called up? -- @SpeedyN7
Harrison, an outfielder, and Diaz, a second baseman, were both part of the Christian Yelich trade with the Brewers. Per MLB Pipeline, Harrison is the Marlins' No. 1 prospect, and Diaz is seventh. The two are currently at Double-A Jacksonville, and neither is currently on the 40-man roster, so neither is a candidate to be called up to the big leagues any time soon. A more likely promotion could be to Triple-A New Orleans, but that would depend on how they're progressing by the end of July. Both have shown flashes of their raw talents, but they've also dealt with inconsistencies. Harrison has nine home runs, but his slash line is .225/.312/.391 in 68 games. Since Spring Training, the Marlins staff has been refining his swing. Diaz is batting .239/.368/.376 with five home runs. The second baseman missed time after being struck on the helmet by a pitch.
What players realistically get traded at Deadline? I am thinking Starlin Castro, as it allows Brian Anderson to go to third base with Miguel Rojas or JT Riddle to second. Martin Prado is probably not healthy enough to draw interest. Dan Straily? J.T. Realmuto? Cameron Maybin? Brad Ziegler? -- @putter1013
The Marlins will listen to what opportunities are out there, but with the indications I'm getting, I'm not sure how active the club will be. There is plenty of speculation on Realmuto, and that goes back to the offseason. But clubs already know the asking price is extremely high, so I'm not sure he is a realistic trade option. Also, the Marlins don't want to part with Realmuto, because he is part of what they are building. He isn't a free agent until 2021, so there is no urgency to trade one of the top catchers in the game. As for Castro, it would be a matter of who needs a second baseman? Prado is on the disabled list and is not a realistic trade candidate. Straily, first baseman Justin Bour and Zielger could attract interest, and could be the most likely trade candidates.
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The international signing period is coming up, any rumors on who the Marlins are pursuing? -- @drguava
Fernando Seguignol is the organization's new director of international operations. He is highly respected and accomplished, and the organization is actively scouting the market. The signing period begins on July 2. A name the Marlins have been linked to is Cuban right-hander Sandy Gaston. The 16-year-old is ranked 14th on MLB Pipeline's Top 30 International list. His fastball has touched 97 mph, and it sits at 94-95. His command is an issue going forward.
Does Magneuris Sierra have a future in the Marlins' outfield? We already have Lewis Brinson, Harrison and Peter O'Brien. -- Akivan, Miami Beach, Fla.
Ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Marlins' No. 6 prospect, Sierra is a speedy center fielder who just turned 22 in April. He absolutely is part of their long-term plans. His production is down slightly from a year ago when he was in the Cardinals' system, but he missed almost all of Spring Training due to a left hamstring strain. A low walk rate is a little concerning, but Sierra is similar to other speedsters who lack power. Dee Gordon, for instance, also doesn't walk much, yet he has been an All-Star. Sierra can be that kind of player. Would he play center or a corner spot? Brinson currently is in center. When Sierra is ready, the organization will have to sort the positions out. You mention Harrison, who can play center, but likely would profile in right. O'Brien is more of a first baseman, and organizational depth.
With the way Kyle Barraclough is pitching, do you think the Marlins will try to sell high with him or hold onto him? -- @BrendenKatz
We see it every year, there is always a strong market for relievers around the Trade Deadline on July 31. The Royals just dealt Kelvin Herrera to the Nationals, so teams already are making moves. Barraclough qualifies for arbitration next year, so he has three more years of club control. Like Realmuto, Barraclough is a piece the club prefers to build around. However, if an offer is made that is too enticing to pass up, Barraclough could be moved.