The 2012-2013 offseason can no longer be called quiet, as the Marlins and Blue Jays shocked the baseball world by pulling off one of the biggest mega-deals in recent history on Tuesday night. In a matter of minutes, five veterans from the Marlins were headed to Toronto in exchange for seven Jays. Here's a breakdown:
Blue Jays acquire:
RHP Josh Johnson
LHP Mark Buehrle
SS Jose Reyes
OF Emilio Bonifacio
C John Buck
$4 million cash
Marlins acquire:
SS Yunel Escobar
C Jeff Mathis
2B Adeiny Hechavarria
OF Jake Marisnick
RHP Anthony DeSclafini
RHP Henderson Alvarez
LHP Justin Nicolino
At first glance, it looks like the Blue Jays were the big winners in this deal. By adding Johnson and Buehrle to a rotation that already includes Ricky Romero, Brandon Morrow, and JA Happ, the Jays have a very strong rotation that will make them contenders in the AL East for many years to come. Johnson, widely regarded as one of the National League's top pitchers over the past few years, has been a hot name in trade rumors, and received strong interest from the Rangers and Red Sox at the deadline in July 2012. Buehrle, who is known for being picky about geography, may not be happy with the deal, but will provide a strong veteran presence, joining Romero and Happ in a lefty-heavy rotation north of the border. Even though he struggled a bit in 2012, Reyes is an upgrade over Escobar at shortstop, and the Blue Jays have him under control for the next five years following the huge contract he signed with Miami last offseason. Buck, who played for the Jays in 2010, will likely be dealt elsewhere this offseason, as the Jays already have JP Arencibia behind the plate and top prospect Travis D'Arnaud ready for major league time. The versatile Bonifacio will likely be used as a utility player in Toronto, as he has the ability to play second base, shortstop, or the outfield.
The Marlins also received talent in this deal, receiving three of the Blue Jays' top eight prospects (according to Baseball America) in Marisnick (#2), Nicolino (#5), and Hechavarria (#8). Marisnick, 21, was a third round pick of the Blue Jays in 2009, and finished 2012 with AA New Hampshire. He is a five-tool player who projects as a major league centerfielder, and will likely start 2013 in AAA New Orleans for the Marlins. Nicolino, 20, had a very strong season at Single-A Lansing, and projects for major league arrival in 2014 or 2015. Hechavarria, who is Cuban, will likely start 2013 in the Majors with Miami as their second baseman. Escobar, also Cuban, is a fit in the Miami market, and Mathis will get a chance for playing time behind projected starting catcher Rob Brantly. DeSclafini, a 22-year old righty, was teammates with Nicolino in Lansing, and also had a strong year. Alvarez, 22, will likely be a member of the depleted Marlins rotation in 2013 after spending 2012 in the big leagues with the Jays.
By dealing away many key pieces in the past four months, including Hanley Ramirez, Omar Infante, Anibal Sanchez, Heath Bell, and now these three players, the Marlins have once again sold off all of their assets in an effort to build up a strong farm system for continued franchise growth. Last winter, the Marlins were a team that seemed destined for greatness, moving into a brand new ballpark and signing three key free agents: Heath Bell (3 years, $27 million), Mark Buehrle (4 years, $58 million), and Jose Reyes (6 years, $106 million). Less than a year later, following a dismal 69-93 season in 2012, all three of those players have been traded and the Marlins are in rebuild mode again. After a strong effort to rebuild their team's image and roster last offseason, the Marlins are back to square one, and the firesale is likely not over. Many believe that right-hander Ricky Nolasco will be the next to be traded, and the possibility of trading slugger Giancarlo Stanton cannot be completely ruled out. Stanton publicly voiced his frustration tonight, tweeting "Alright, I'm pissed off!!! Plain & Simple", in reaction to the deal. Due to his weakened relationship with the Marlins and the extremely high return he would get on the trade market, the Marlins are likely going to be inclined to listen to offers for the slugger.
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi of FOX Sports were the first to report the deal, with Buster Olney of ESPN, Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, and Juan C. Rodriguez of the Miami Sun-Sentinel adding information.
For the latest on the busy offseason, stay right here or follow me on Twitter @powermonster1
-Jared Pate
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