The Marlins are likely going to trade Dan Uggla over the winter creating a huge hole at 2B. With that in mind a trade that would make sense for both teams if the Marlins don’t mind trading in the division would be this: Jeremy Hermida and Reynel Pinto to the Braves for Kelly Johnson, Brandon Jones and Jo Jo Reyes. The Braves need a lefty in the bullpen and a corner outfielder who can hit so they would fill two needs by making this trade. The Marlins would use Reyes to replace Pinto in the pen, Kelly Johnson to replace Uggla at 2B and Brandon Jones will give them depth in the outfield. This almost makes too much sense to actually happen.

UPDATE: This trade won’t be happening as the Marlins have sent Jeremy Hermida to the Red Sox for lefties Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez.

The Marlins have four free agents going into this winter and they would likely consider bringing any of them back at the right price. Nick Johnson will be the hardest of the free agents for the Marlins to sign as he would likely have to sign a below market deal to stay with the team. Ross Gload was a decent bench player for the Marlins last season and he could come back but not at his $2.6 million dollar option which is way too rich for a bench player. Righty relievers Kiko Calero and Brendan Donnelly will likely get some offers elsewhere so the Marlins will have to ante up if they want either of them back. If the Marlins need a 3B they will likely take a look at someone like Troy Glaus who will be cheap and looking to revive his career. The Marlins might not be able to offer Glaus a lot of money but 550 at bats is something they could give him. The Marlins will likely have a need for a backup outfielder or two and these guys might interest them to varying degrees: Reed Johnson, Randy Winn, Gary Sheffield, Rocco Baldelli, Rick Ankiel, Andruw Jones, Brian Giles, Xavier Nady and Austin Kearns. The Marlins also like to take chances on pitchers trying to rebound from injuries so don’t be surprised if Joaquin Benoit, Kelvim Escobar or Jason Isringhausen show up in Marlins’ Camp next February.

The Florida Marlins have lost 25-year old lefty swinging outfielder Alejandro De Aza on waivers to the White Sox. De Aza played in 22 games for the Marlins last season and he was 5 for 20 (.250 avg, .685 OPS) with 6 runs scored and 3 RBIs. He played in parts of two seasons for the Marlins and he was 38 for 164 (.232 avg, .590 OPS) with 20 runs scored, 11 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. The Marlins shouldn’t miss De Aza too much in the future as he projected out to be nothing more than a back up outfielder.

The Marlins have granted free agency to 27-year old righty swinging infielder Andy Gonzalez and 29-year old lefty starting pitcher John Koronka. Gonzalez played in 14 games for the Marlins last season and he was 1 for 12 (.083 avg, .333 OPS) with 1 run scored. He also played in 102 games in AAA-ball last year in which he was 91 for 352 (.259 avg, .709 OPS) with 45 runs scored, 8 homers, 43 RBIs and 8 stolen bases. Lefty starting pitcher John Koronka was awful everywhere he pitched in 2009. He started 2 games for the Marlins last season and he was 0-2 with a 11.05 ERA and a 2.45 WHIP. He also pitched in 30 games (23 starts) in AAA-ball and he was 4-10 with a 4.83 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. The Marlins won’t miss either of these guys as they project out to be career minor leaguers.

The Marlins have a option on Ross Gload’s contract for the 2010 season valued at $2.6 million bucks. The frugal Marlins won’t pick up that option at those kind of dollars but they might be willing to bring him back on a cheaper deal. Gload played in 125 games for the Marlins last season and he was 60 for 230 (.261 avg, .729 OPS) with 33 runs scored, 6 homers and 30 RBIs. Due to his age and production I would suggest to the Marlins that they just let him go. A 1B/corner outfielder with no power tends to hurt teams and I’m sure they can find a veteran cheaply that would bring more to the table.

UPDATE: The Marlins have officially declined Ross Gload’s option for the 2010 season making him a free agent.