Dodgers should contact Marlins after new pitching trade rumor emerges

Hey, maybe they have already contacted these folks, you never know. But the Los Angeles Dodgers, much like the rest of the league, have yet to make a splash. The Phillies re-signing Aaron Nola remains the only move of note.

It's been a boring November. The Dodgers have only re-signed Jason Heyward and Ricky Vanasco -- two deals that don't move the needle for them. And it doesn't help that the trade market has been stagnant, with rumors surrounding Corbin Burnes, Dylan Cease, Tyler Glasnow and Shane Bieber largely quiet.

Well, the Miami Marlins have entered the chat, and the Dodgers have a long history of doing business with them. Per reports, the Fish have a couple of pitchers drawing trade interest at the moment (subscription required) but Miami's willingness to make a deal is unclear.

Those pitchers are Edward Cabrera and Trevor Rogers, both of whom are now firmly in their arbitration years. Cabrera is a Super Two player (meaning he'll make the most money possible under the system as long as he stays healthy and produces) while Rogers is in his first year of arbitration eligibility.

Problem is, the Marlins traded Pablo López last offseason and lost Sandy Alcantara for the 2024 season after he was hit with some tough Tommy John news. On the surface, Miami would be less inclined to trade both of these young arms, but the Dodgers have enough talent to potentially get the talks moving.

Dodgers Rumors: Marlins getting trade calls for young pitchers

Cabrera dealt with shoulder issues in 2023, limiting him to 22 games (20 starts), while Rogers pitched in only four games due to a lat injury. Their values aren't as high as they should be, which is why teams are inquiring as we approach the Winter Meetings.

Then again, the Marlins do boast promising pitchers such as Braxton Garrett, Jesus Luzardo and Eury Perez. The top end of their farm system is also pitching heavy with Noble Meyer, Thomas White, Max Meyer, Dax Fulton, Karson Milbrandt and Jacob Miller taking up six of the top 12 spots. If they can afford to trade from any position, it's the pitching department.

But what could the Dodgers offer? Some of their assets, like Michael Grove, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Gavin Stone, Miguel Vargas and others could be unappealing to other teams because of their injuries/underperformance, but the Marlins always seem to be in a state of rebuilding, and their current roster couldn't even dream of competing with the Phillies and Braves.

What if the Dodgers floated some combination of Michael Busch, Emmet Sheehan, Jorbit Vivas and Hunter Feduccia for one (preferably Cabrera) or both pitchers? The Dodgers have a surplus of catchers and the Marlins desperately need one. Busch, despite underwhelming with the Dodgers during his short stint at the MLB level, could be a useful, controllable utility guy for a Marlins team that needs to replace Joey Wendle and Jorge Soler. Sheehan has shown flashes, but the Dodgers probably need somebody ready right now, and Vivas is an infield asset LA doesn't reallty need.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers can stockpile more reliable young pitching and knock an important move off their checklist. Just give us something to talk about, that's all we want.