Source: Marlins not close to trading Ozuna
Mariners rumored to be interested in young outfielder
MIAMI -- Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna is garnering plenty of trade interest from a number of teams, but no deal is considered imminent, according to a source.
On Tuesday night, ESPN.com first reported the Mariners have shown interest in Ozuna. MLB.com has learned it is unclear if Seattle is the front-runner. The Marlins have insisted they would not accept a "low-ball" offer for the 25-year-old outfielder.
Miami is in the market for a controllable, high-end starting pitcher. If Seattle is a fit, a second source said Ozuna could be part of a bigger more substantive trade, including several players with big league experience.
The Mariners are clearly an attractive fit for Miami because they feature four starters several seasons away from free agency -- Taijuan Walker, Nathan Karns, Roenis Elias and James Paxton.
Walker, 23, would appear to be the starter the Marlins most covet. However, Seattle has indicated he isn't available. To pry him away, it would likely require Miami parting with other players from its big league roster.
Ozuna has been the subject of trade speculation since July, when it was reported the Indians had interest.
The Marlins are aiming to retain as much of their core as possible. But they may have to part with Ozuna to upgrade their rotation.
The 25-year-old has tremendous potential. He already is a proven 20-home run hitter, and he's not arbitration-eligible until 2017.
Ozuna is coming off a disappointing season where he batted .259/.308/.383 with 10 home runs, 27 doubles and 44 RBIs. But in 2014, his first full big league season, he belted 23 home runs and drove in 85.