Predicting Marlins’ biggest move before MLB trade deadline

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Predicting Marlins’ biggest move before MLB trade deadline

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints | Last updated Jul 16, 2026 10:26 AM ET

The Miami Marlins are in the thick of the National League playoff race at the All-Star Break. While they have not had sustained success at any point in franchise history, they know when to hit the button and make a run. While 2026 may not match 1997 and 2003 in Miami history, they have to make a move. The Marlins will trade for pitcher Jose Soriano as their biggest MLB trade deadline move.

In the past, the Marlins have been a solid pitching club that could not get hitting. But they traded away Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers in the offseason, so their rotation lacks depth. But they are seven games over .500 because of their bats, with Liam Hicks and Otto Lopez leading the way. To support that core, they need a new pitcher.

The expanded playoff system has limited the number of trade deadline sellers for years. This year has taken that trend to the extreme, mostly because of the sloppy American League. But the Los Angeles Angels have no hope of joining the band of contenders, so they will sell at the trade deadline. They have a chance to cash in on a great start to the season from Soriano.

Soriano has two years of team control after this season, so this is the right time for the Angels to trade him. For the Marlins, it gives them a chance to trade him if next year does not go the same way this one has. They have the prospects to make this deal and not worry about the ramifications.

Soriano got off to an electric start to this season, allowing one run in 37.2 innings across his first six starts. Should his recent struggles push the Marlins away from making this deal? If so, which pitchers will be available?

The Marlins need a new starting pitcher

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Since April 28, Soriano has come back to Earth. In 14 starts, he has a 5.15 ERA, with the Angels winning just four of those starts. The Marlins have developed pitchers well in recent years, namely Sandy Alcantara, so they may be able to get the best out of Soriano. But if there is any reason to believe they can’t fix him, they should move on.

This Marlins season has the chance to be special, even in a crowded National League. They cannot waste their trade assets on a project this season, which Soriano may be. But the New York Mets are one of the few sellers on the market, and in-division moves are rare in baseball. Could the Marlins find a pitcher if Soriano and the Mets are not options?

It would be insane for the Marlins to trade for Tarik Skubal, the two-time defending Cy Young winner. If the Detroit Tigers trade Skubal, it will likely be to a team that can sign him to a massive new contract. The Marlins are not that team, so giving up their top prospects for a half-season is not wise.

All of those factors point to the Kansas City Royals as potential trade partners with the Marlins. They have two starting pitchers, Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, who could be on the move this season. Cole Ragans is on the injured list, otherwise he would be a part of that group as well. The Marlins would have to pay up to cover either Lugo or Wacha’s salaries, but it’s a move they should be willing to make.

But all things considered, the Marlins and the Angels are perfect trade partners. While Soriano has struggled in recent months, he can be the piece that launches the Fish to the postseason this year.

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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