Despite making the playoffs last year, the Miami Marlins' 2024 trade deadline will be spent as sellers. There's a compelling argument that Miami is the worst team in the National League this season.
So, as the White Sox rebuild happens, the Marlins would be better off trading veterans and valuable trade chips and building toward a better future.
Five players for the Marlins to trade at the deadline
Who are the Marlins trade candidates? Miami actually has an interesting mix of pitchers and hitters who could be assets to a playoff contender.
The Marlins also have some players they would certainly like to part ways with if they could find a trade partner. Let's take a closer look at the Marlins trade deadline in 2024 and some players who could be traded this summer.
Jazz Chisholm
Since his All-Star season in 2022, Jazz Chisholm has failed to turn into a great star the way the Marlins thought he would. He has regressed in many ways, while the experience of being moved to center field has had mixed reviews. However, Chisholm is young and talented enough to generate some interest on the trade market.
After all, he's on pace to set career highs in both home runs and stolen bases this year even if his OPS is more than 100 points lower than it was two years ago.
Chisholm is also capable of playing multiple positions, which can't hurt his value. After 2024, he's still under team control for another two years and doesn't make much money in salary arbitration, which is an incentive for a team to trade for him. While Chisholm could still be part of Miami's turnaround, the Marlins could also make offers and remain open about trading for him.
Jesus Luzardo
Like Chisholm, Jesus Luzardo remains under team control through the 2026 season, so there is no pressure to trade him. His overall numbers this season don't look exactly enticing for a team in the playoffs. On the other hand, Luzardo is a lefty who pitched to a 1.75 ERA in May, so there is still hope for him.
A team in the playoff race could look at him as rotation depth in the near future and a pitcher with some future upside. Obviously, that would raise Miami's asking price for him. But if the Marlins can get multiple prospects back for him, it could be the best move long-term.
Josh Bell
Josh Bell may be the most obvious trade chip for Miami this summer. Although he's not having his best season, Bell is just two years away from being a Silver Slugger winner. If nothing else, he can be part of a platoon situation at first base or the DH spot, as the switch-hitter is much better from the left side of the plate and can add a power threat to any lineup. Bell also makes $16.5 million this year.
While the Marlins are not at risk regarding the MLB luxury tax, they would like to get most or all of that salary off their books during a lost season.
Tanner Scott
He may not be a hot commodity, but as a free agent at the end of the season, Tanner Scott is sure to be traded this summer. The lefty has been a bright spot in Miami's bullpen, pitching to a 1.40 ERA over his first 25 appearances.
Since he's only a tenant, he wouldn't guarantee a huge return for Miami on the trade market. But considering how many teams want to add a left-hander to the bullpen before the trade deadline, the Marlins should get something decent for him.
Porsche Smith
Oddly enough, Burch Smith isn't a free agent until after the 2025 season, so the Marlins can hold onto him. However, he is 34 years old and is having a good year and not making a lot of money. Miami would be wise to strike while the iron is hot and trade him this summer.
The Marlins didn't give up much to acquire the journeyman from Tampa in January. So, this is a good opportunity to flip it for a small profit.
