$1 million in international signing bonus space
Marlins Get: Nick Neidert: 11-6, 3.45 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 122/22 K/BB, 127.2 IP at High Class A and AA
Robert Dugger: 6-6, 2.75 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 116/32 K/BB, 117.2 IP at Class A and High Class A
Chris Torres: 6 HR, .238/.329/.446, 14 SB, 116 wRC+ at AZL and Class A Short Season
This Marlins-Mariners trade has many implications. The Marlins are rebuilding and looking to dump salary, so shipping Dee Gordon and the three years and $38 million left on his contract to Seattle makes perfect sense. However, before I get to Gordon, perhaps the biggest news of this trade is that the Mariners now have $3.5575 million to offer Ohtani, shooting them to first place among the seven suitors (Rangers #2 at $3.535 million, Angels #3 at $2.315 million). If they sign Ohtani, this deal was a win, no questions asked. However, they do have a nice piece in Dee Gordon, the speedy second baseman with 212 stolen bases over the past four seasons. With Robinson Cano already at second base, Gordon will slide to centerfield despite never having played the outfield, but his speed should help him do just fine there. If you don't believe me, Billy Hamilton was a shortstop before the Reds moved him to center, and now he's arguably the best defensive centerfielder in the National League. Unfortunately for Gordon, most of his value comes from speed and defense, as he doesn't walk much and has never hit more than four home runs in a game. Fortunately, with all those singles, he still posted an on-base percentage of .341 in 2017, though it could get much higher if he became more patient. His 52.2% swing percentage was 20th highest in baseball this year, while his 36.6% O-swing percentage (out of zone) was 17th highest. He was able to keep his strikeout rates down because of his 77.9% O-contact percentage (9th highest in baseball), but this also suppresses his walks. If he can cut down on his chase rate just a little in Seattle, not only will it help his OBP, but he will also get numerous more chances to use his devastating speed on the bases. For his career, the Orlando area native has eleven home runs, a .293/.329/.367 slash line, and 278 stolen bases over 711 games for 11.6 total fWAR.
In return for their leadoff man and money, the Marlins got three prospects and salary relief. With Gordon's three years and $38 million off the books, Miami may have just a little more money to package with Giancarlo Stanton on his potential trade, increasing the value of prospects they could get in return. In terms of minor leaguers, the most prominent is 6'1" right hander Nick Neidert, a second round pick out of an Atlanta-area high school in 2015. Neidert dominated the hitter-friendly High Class A California League in 2017, going 10-3 with a 2.76 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP, striking out 109 and walking 17 in 104.1 innings for Modesto. However, upon a promotion to AA Arkansas, he struggled in his six starts, going 1-3 with a 6.56 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP over 23.1 innings, striking out just 13 and walking five. While his command and changeup stand out, scouts don't like his breaking ball, and his future might hinge on his repeat performance in AA in 2018. If he struggles again, the Marlins could opt to push him to the bullpen where his fastball/changeup combination could play up, but if he gets a hold of the level and starts missing more bats, he could be a nice mid to back end starter in the bigs. 6'2" right hander Robert Dugger was an 18th round pick out of Texas Tech in 2016, but he upped his stock considerably with a successful 2017. Beginning with Class A Clinton, he went 4-1 with a 2.00 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP over 22 games (9 starts), striking out 69 to just 16 walks in 72 innings. Promoted to High Class A Modesto, he held his own in the hitter-friendly California League, going 2-5 with a 3.94 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP over nine starts with 47 strikeouts to 16 walks in 45.2 innings. He has a ways to go, but the Mariners got good value out of a mid-round pick and the Marlins will look to develop a future starter. Lastly, shortstop Chris Torres just made it out of complex ball this year, but he also doesn't turn 20 until February. In 52 games this year (48 of which were in Short Season ball with Everett), Torres slashed .238/.329/.446 with six home runs and 14 stolen bases, striking out 69 times while drawing 28 walks. The numbers don't quite capture his strengths, as he is more of a contact hitter than a power guy. His best attribute is his defense, as he should be able to stick at shortstop all the way up the ladder, but his offense needs to come around for him to get the chance. At 19, he has plenty of time to develop into a future utility guy.
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