JUPITER, Fla. -- The Marlins have their sights set on the postseason, and if necessary, the front office is prepared to be buyers by the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.
For Miami to contend, the starting pitching must step up.
The Marlins explored starting pitching options during the offseason, and they were even among the clubs that inquired about White Sox lefty Jose Quintana. There wasn't a fit because Chicago sought core players on Miami's big league roster in return.
Without the services of a true ace, the Marlins will enter the season with their rotation a question mark.
Two offseason additions -- Edinson Volquez, signed as a free agent, and Dan Straily, acquired in a trade with the Reds -- have been named the Nos. 1 and 2 starters.

In the offseason and throughout Spring Training, the Marlins have tracked the market for pitching possibilities, but they've balked at making any deals that weren't considered upgrades.
By late July, the Marlins may actually be able to fill a rotation spot from within.
Left-hander Dillon Peters, who is starting off at Double-A Jacksonville, impressed in big league camp during Spring Training. Ranked by MLBPipeline.com as the Marlins' fifth overall prospect, Peters is a candidate to be called up close to midseason.

Should the Marlins go the trade route, bullpen is an area of depth, and the Marlins may tap into their surplus to fill another need.
Should the Marlins fall out of the race by July 31, the organization may re-direct and trade off some players. It's doubtful they'd become all-out sellers. Still, they could be open to dealing off their big league roster.
Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and outfielder Marcell Ozuna are both in their arbitration years and could be potential trade options, and the organization fields numerous calls regarding infielder Derek Dietrich. Closer A.J. Ramos could also be the subject of trade discussions.
To become sellers, however, the Marlins would likely have to be well off the pace by the end of July.