Marlins pursued deal for closer Chapman
Trade to Yankees leaves Miami examining other bullpen options
MIAMI -- The Marlins remain in the market for starting pitching, but they're also open to adding a power reliever. Miami was reportedly in the mix to acquire hard-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman, who was dealt on Monday from the Reds to the Yankees for four Minor Leaguers.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Miami "also tried to acquire Chapman." MLB.com confirmed the Marlins had interest.
The Reds ended up accepting the Yankees' package, which included right-handers Caleb Cotham and Rookie Davis, along with infielders Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda.
It is unclear who the Marlins were offering for Chapman, but teams have been asking about right-hander Tyler Kolek, Miami's top prospect, according to MLBPipeline.com. Kolek was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 Draft.
Without a deep farm system, the Marlins are being overly cautious in making trades.
Chapman is eligible for free agency in 2017, so Miami was basically looking at the hard-throwing lefty as a one-year closer option. Chapman also presents a risk because he potentially faces a suspension, depending the outcome of MLB's investigation into the reliever's domestic-violence situation.
Like many teams, the Marlins are weighing ways to develop a lights-out bullpen. If they could have landed Chapman, they would have had a back end that also would have featured A.J. Ramos and Carter Capps.