Most of the talk surrounding the Cleveland Guardians as it pertains to the upcoming MLB trade deadline is focused on what the team is going to add. The Guardians are likely to be in the market for a hitter who can add some punch to the middle of their lineup.
There is very little talk about which Guardians players may be of interest to other teams. While Cleveland is much more likely to part with prospects in a deal, it does have some major league talent who could draw a return as well.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Guardians infielder Gabriel Arias has emerged as a potential trade target for the Miami Marlins.
“The Marlins rank 11th in the majors in runs per game, but last in OPS at third base. Isaac Paredes, earning $9.35 million with an additional year of club control remaining, would be another third-base possibility if the Houston Astros sold, which seems unlikely. Many lower-priced third-base options, including the Baltimore Orioles’ Blaze Alexander, Texas Rangers’ Ezequiel Duran, Cleveland Guardians’ Gabriel Arias and Los Angeles Angels’ Oswald Peraza, could also be available,” Rosenthal wrote.
The Marlins are somewhat surprising playoff contenders in the National League, so they may be buyers heading toward the Aug. 3 deadline. They have used a combination of Javier Sanoja, Graham Pauley, Leo Jimenez, and Connor Norby at third base, with Sanoja sporting the highest slugging percentage at .404.
After opening the season as Cleveland’s starting shortstop, Arias injured his hamstring in early April. Brayan Rocchio was moved from second base to replace him, and rookie Travis Bazzana was eventually promoted to complete the new double play combination.
Both players thrived in their new roles, eventually leaving Arias in the minors even after he had recovered. He did not return to the majors until mid-June, when he was recalled to fill in for third baseman Jose Ramirez, who was placed on the injured list.
With Ramirez possibly returning before the end of July, and Rocchio and Bazzana having All-Star-caliber seasons, the Guardians may not have room for Arias when they are at full strength. He is under club control through the 2029 season, so they are not forced to make a move, but that could also make him a valuable trade chip.
Arias is improving his market value as the deadline gets closer. In 10 July games, he has a .310 batting average and an .872 OPS.
He just went 4-for-8 in Cleveland’s recent series against Miami, so maybe the Marlins liked what they saw and will make an inquiry about Arias over the next few weeks.
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