3 Marlins targets Yankees should chase in Miami deadline fire sale

New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman has a tendency to make a “sneaky” deal or two at every trade deadline, Winter Meetings bargaining session, or casual get-together where Mariners exec Jerry Dipoto is present.

If he deals with the Miami Marlins at this year’s deadline, though, he won’t be wading in secretive waters. All of a sudden, the Marlins are basically blaring a gigantic horn, standing on the roof of Cafe Versailles, and yelling, “Everyone but Sandy Alcantara must go!”

So which of those people comprising “everyone” make appealing Yankees targets? The Marlins, even after a recent spat of injuries, are still pitching-rich, both in the starting staff and bullpen. Their offense is strangely constructed, and struggled to light aflame even when Jazz Chisholm was handing them the spark. That said, there are still some versatile pieces in Miami’s collection that would look better on a contending team.

Apologies to near-miss Jon Berti, who’s currently on the IL with a left groin strain after putting up 2.1 WAR and a 111 OPS+ while playing multiple positions. If the Yanks expect a quick recovery, he could still be a target.

No apologies to catcher Jacob Stallings, one of the statistical worst players in baseball, and someone that some thought (ahem) the Yankees should’ve paid the premium for last winter. Whoops.

3 Miami Marlins players Yankees should target in deadline sell-off

3. Anthony Bass

The relief market is, according to Jeff Passan and anyone with eyes and ears, “bleak.” If you’re not one of the hundred teams attempting to outbid one another for David Robertson, there are very few reliable and postseason-tested options on the table.

One of the closers who could inspire confidence and just came up for grabs is Anthony Bass of the Miami Marlins, who might work better in a set-up role.

Bass opened 2021 as a closer in Miami, but quickly faltered and didn’t record a single save; while he escaped with a sub-4.00 ERA, his 4.93 FIP indicated a season teetering on the edge of brutality.

This season has been a completely different story for the 34-year-old; he’s got a near-matching 1.48 ERA and 1.97 FIP, allowing just 32 hits and a remarkable 8 walks in 42.2 innings, striking out 43.

Bass is signed only through 2022 with a team option in place for 2023. If the Yankees choose to pick it up, more power to them. If not, they can opt to deal for two months of a potentially rock-solid eighth-inning addition for a far cheaper price than a Robertson deal.

Don’t advertise this too heavily, though. Need to keep this just between you and I.