SF Giants rumors: Five potential trades with the Miami Marlins

SF Giants: Five potential trades with the Miami Marlins
4. Anthony Bender

Anthony Bender is easily the least notable Marlins player highlighting one of these deals, but he may be the most costly. A 26-year-old rookie, Bender has less than a year of big-league service time, two option years remaining after 2021, and has been one of the best relievers in MLB this season. Few outside of Miami have probably heard of the 6’4” righty, but in 34.2 innings pitched, Bender has recorded 44 strikeouts, eight walks, a 2.34 ERA, and equally impressive peripheral ERA estimators (2.51 xERA, 2.78 FIP, and 2.89 xFIP).

The SF Giants would undeniably be paying a premium for a relatively unproven commodity. Still, if they believe in Bender’s 2021 campaign, they could see him as an anchor of the bullpen for years to come. Naturally, the Marlins would want a prospect like Camilo Doval in return, who has already reached the big-league level and has the potential to be an elite closer soon. Finding consistent control has always been a struggle for Doval, but with one of the most electric pitch arsenals in baseball, there will always be someone betting on his future.

Doval turned 24 less than a month ago and is already on the Giants 40-man roster. While fans in San Francisco may be hoping to one day see him close games at Oracle Park, Zaidi and the team’s executives might try to turn Doval’s upside into a more proven commodity to help them in 2021.

Bender’s extensive remaining team control will likely require a far larger package than just one of the Giants relief-pitching prospects. While the Marlins will certainly be sellers over the coming days, it’s hard to believe they will be openly shopping Bender. If San Francisco covets the rookie reliever, it will take a premium package.

Outfielder Alexander Canario is a consensus top ten prospect in the Giants system. Barely 21, Canario has elite bat speed and plus power potential. A good athlete, Canario might be limited to an outfield corner at some point, but an above-average arm should make that adjustment fairly straightforward. After obliterating short-season competition in 2019, Canario has hit .239/.330/.440 in his full-season debut at Low-A West. He strikes out at a high rate (28.5%) but also draws his fair share of walks (12.2%).

Already on the Giants 40-man roster, and in a system flush with outfield talent, San Francisco might be willing to part with Canario even if he could become a consistent middle-of-the-order bat. Combine him with Doval and a mid-tier prospect like right-handed pitcher Ryan Murphy and the Giants might have the package they need to force Miami to part with Bender.