Suitors line up for Latos; Miami weighs deals
Marlins also exploring trade possibilities for Haren as Deadline nears
Mat Latos' strong performance on Tuesday has increased trade interest in the right-hander. The Marlins continue to field calls regarding the 27-year-old, and they are motivated to move him before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.
According to sources, the Blue Jays and Cubs are potential landing spots for Latos, who threw seven scoreless innings in Miami's 3-0 win over the D-backs on Tuesday at Chase Field.
The Marlins also are exploring trade options for Dan Haren, their most dependable starter this year. The Blue Jays also have interest in Haren, and to a lesser degree, so do the Dodgers.
Video: CIN@MIA: Haren holds Reds to one run over six innings
If the Dodgers step up, it would mark a reunion for the right-hander, who was acquired from Los Angeles at the Winter Meetings.
At this point, Miami appears more willing to part with Latos by the end of the month than Haren, who might end up being dealt sometime in August, when players must first clear waivers.
The Dodgers are paying all of Haren's $10 million salary, which diminishes the Marlins' desire to deal him unless they get what they want in return.
Latos, who is making $9.4 million, is in a different situation.
When the Marlins acquired Latos from the Reds at the Winter Meetings, the organization knew it was getting the veteran for one season in hopes of making a playoff push. But with the club in fourth place in the National League East, Latos is regarded as likely to be dealt in the upcoming days.
Although Latos is 4-6 with a 4.48 ERA, he is 3-2 (3.60 ERA) in his past seven starts, with 45 strikeouts in 45 innings.
With a number of veteran starters from around the league on the market, the industry is waiting to see which teams strike first. There is a sense that Cincinnati's Johnny Cueto, also a free agent after this season, can factor into where Latos winds up. If Cueto is traded first, Miami would have a better feel for Latos' value.
Foremost, the Marlins are looking for value, especially if it comes in the form of prospects at the upper Minor League levels, which would help replenish the organization's depleted system.