Marlins linked to $13 million All-Star from Red Sox in trade talks originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Are the Miami Marlins true postseason contenders?
As of now, the standings indicate the answer is yes.
Miami outscored its opponents 133-80 in June while finishing the month with a franchise-best 20-6 record.
With breakout seasons from shortstop Otto Lopez and right-hander Max Meyer, the Marlins have a strong opportunity to grab one of the three NL Wild Card spots.
That should incentivize the front office to make a few moves at the trade deadline. They can be cost-friendly deals that improve the roster nonetheless.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield wrote Thursday that the Marlins should eye an eight-time All-Star closer from the Boston Red Sox.
“The red-hot Marlins are suddenly in the rare position of adding at the deadline. They could use power, but closer Pete Fairbanks has a 6.84 ERA and has been homer-prone, leading to nine different relievers picking up saves,” Schoenfield wrote. “[Aroldis] Chapman would solve the ninth-inning issues.”
Despite his age, Chapman remains one of the best closers in the Majors. The left-hander has allowed just six earned runs in 24.2 innings this season.
He’s also striking out 11.7 batters per nine innings.
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Having Chapman in the bullpen would give the Marlins a serious late-game weapon if they make the postseason.
It would allow them to move Fairbanks to a setup man role and take some pressure off his shoulders during his struggles.
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