The Luis Arraez trade was one of the biggest deals that shaped the 2023 Minnesota Twins, but his time with the Miami Marlins could be short as they are reportedly willing to move their All-Star second baseman.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports that the Marlins are “willing to listen to almost everyone” in trade talks and a rival executive said that “everything is on the table” heading into next season.
Heyman believes the Marlins are most likely to trade starting pitchers Jesus Luzardo and Edward Cabrera, but thinks that Arraez could be traded as well because another rival executive told him the Marlins have “zero chance to hold onto him [long term].”
Arraez thrived in his first season in Miami, hitting .345/.393/.469 with 10 home runs and 69 RBI in 147 games. Arraez also flirted with a .400 batting average until June and earned his second straight All-Star appearance while becoming the first player in MLB history to win batting titles in the American and National League in consecutive seasons.
This resume had Fangraphs project his value at $25.9 million last season and set him up for a massive payday when he is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season.
While Miami still has two years of team control, they could look to get what they can and start another rebuilding project under new general manager Peter Bendix.
There is no evidence that an Arraez trade is imminent, but the rumors aren’t sitting well with Marlins fans who have watched their cost-conscious franchise build and tear down rosters at will since joining the majors in 1993.
Luis Arraez through 536 G: .326/.379/.427/.806, 24 HR, 647 H
Tony Gwynn through 536 G: .327/.380/.426/.806, 22 HR, 672 H
But yes, Miami, entertain the idea of trading a xerox of a baseball icon.
— Louis Addeo-Weiss (@addeo_louis00) January 12, 2024
So the Marlins haven’t made a single move in free agency this offseason and would consider trading best player and/or two of their young pitchers? For what exactly? I’m not expecting Marlins to make splash moves, but keeping some of best talent shouldn’t be too much to ask. https://t.co/JZ5WhiFbdz
— Will Manso (@WillManso) January 12, 2024
1. marlins finally have a semi competent roster
2. marlins sell off players at the first sign of success but they don’t call it a fire sale, rather a “retool”
3. win 65-75 games for a handful of years
4. repeat steps 1 thru 3 until the end of time
— Alex Ferrer (@PastyA_) January 12, 2024
While there seems to be chaos in Miami, the Twins are thrilled with their return from last year’s trade. Pablo López became an ace for the Twins last season, going 11-8 with a 3.66 ERA and earning his first All-Star selection in 2023.
López also won’t be the subject of trade rumors as he signed a four-year, $73.5 million extension with the Twins last April.
With 18-year-old prospect Byron Chourio in the minor leagues, Minnesota could still get more out of the Arraez trade which slightly leans the deal in their favor. But with Miami willing to move on from Arraez after one season, it makes you wonder what they are thinking as they look to move toward another rebuild.
