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 handwriting is on the wall that the Marlins will move both 29-year old starting 2B Dan Uggla and 27-year old righty swinging 1B/3B Jorge Cantu over the winter. Uggla is primed to get a huge raise in arbitration. He has played in 146 games for the Marlins this season and he is 125 for 520 (.240 avg, .811 OPS) with 79 runs scored, 29 homers and 81 RBIs. Uggla has played four years for the Marlins and he has played in 605 games in which he is 590 for 2,294 (.257 avg, .827 OPS) with 394 runs scored, 119 homers and 351 RBIs. I would find a way to keep Uggla if I were running the Marlins because their aren’t many 2B that can hit the ball like Uggla. Jorge Cantu has been playing a lot of 3B lately and he is having a good season again for the Fish. Cantu has played in 138 games for the Marlins this season and he is 152 for 543 (.280 avg, .774 OPS) with 62 runs scored, 16 homers and 89 RBIs. In two years for the Marlins, Cantu has played in 293 games in which he is 326 for 1,171 (.278 avg) with 154 runs scored, 45 homers and 184 RBIs. With the Marlins getting a new stadium in a couple of years they should keep both Cantu and Uggla.

The Marlins would be smart to keep both Dan Uggla and Jorge Cantu despite rumors that they could be traded this month. Outfielder Jeremy Hermida likely has the most value of any player the Marlins would likely move. Teams like the Giants, Mariners, Mets, Reds, Royals and Tigers could have some interest in him. Thinking outside of the box it seems to me that the Tigers might be a good team to deal with regarding Hermida. The Tigers would acquire Hermida, Reynel Pinto and Brett Hayes in return the Marlins would get Joel Zumaya and Ryan Raburn. It’s a trade that would likely help both teams. Ross Gload could be of interest to the Red Sox but he would likely be more valuable for the Marlins to hold onto. Wes Helms however could be moved to a team like the Reds or Astros who are hard up for 3B. The Marlins would only likely get a fringe prospect for Helms. The Marlins could also try to move catcher Brett Hayes to the Cubs who are hurting right now behind the plate. I don’t see the Marlins adding any payroll before the trade deadline but they have surprised me before.