MLB Insider Names Marlins' Single Biggest Trade Priority Ahead of Deadline

A 19-27 record to start the 2022 MLB season had Miami Marlins fans thinking that their team was going to miss the playoffs for the 19th time since 2004. However, a 20-14 record since then puts the Marlins 3.0 games back of the final National League playoff spot and has fans believing again.

Unfortunately, not everyone is a believer in Miami's turnaround. In fact, one MLB insider thinks that the Marlins will be sellers ahead of August's trade deadline and should prioritize trading away a surprising player: starting pitcher Pablo Lopez.

Marlins Trade Rumors

ESPN's David Schoenfield says that trading Lopez is a "long shot," but it's entirely possible if the Marlins fall out of the playoff race. The Venezuelan hurler is only 26 years old and is under team control for two more seasons, which could net Miami a solid prospect or two.

Lopez should have no issue tracking his fair share of suitors. He's made 16 starts for the Marlins so far in 2022, tallying a 2.97 ERA — the best mark of his career — and a 1.074 WHIP. He's also held opposing batters to a .214 batting average, which is significantly below the MLB average (.247).

In a perfect world where the Marlins are contending, Lopez likely wouldn't be going anywhere. However, his value is at an all-time high now that his injury issues are behind him and Miami can parlay that into prospects that can fill roster holes for years to come.

Marlins World Series Odds

Perhaps Miami should listen to Schoenfield's advice, becoming a seller as the trade deadline approaches. After all, FanDuel Sportsbook's latest 2022 World Series odds are grim for the organization, with the Marlins having +20000 odds (No. 19) to win this year's championship.