Marlins Acquire Dee Gordon, Dan Haren From Dodgers
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Marlins promised Giancarlo Stanton that if he signed a long-term extension to remain with the team, they would build a winning team around him.
On Wednesday the Marlins took a big step towards keeping that promise, making their first big splash of the offseason.
Miami acquired second baseman Dee Gordon, shortstop Miguel Rojas and pitcher Dan Haren from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for pitching prospect Andrew Heaney, utility player Kiki Hernandez, relief pitcher Chris Hatcher and catching prospect Austin Barnes.
A few hours after the trade, the Dodgers turned around and shipped Heaney off to the Los Angeles Angels for second baseman Howie Kendrick, filling the hole left by trading Gordon.
On the surface this looks like a good trade for Miami, though there is a level of uncertainty with Haren. In November he told ESPN Los Angeles that he had "no interest in playing in a city away from my family" and that he would rather retire than play for a team outside of L.A.
Following the trade that send his playing rights to Miami, far far away from Los Angeles, Haren issued the following statement through multiple reporters:
"I have been notified of the trade to Miami. My strong desire to remain in southern California has been well-documented. I will have to evaluate my options carefully before making any decisions."
Haren has one year remaining on his contract and will earn $10 million should he decide to play in 2015. The Dodgers have agreed to pay the remaining money on Haren's deal, and should he retire than Los Angeles will give that money to the Marlins.
Miami's infield will certainly get a boost with the addition of Gordon. Second base was an area of concern for the Marlins last season as the main players plugged into the position, Derek Dietrich and Donovan Solano, struggled both in the field and at the plate.
Gordon should solve both of those problems. He is an above average defensive player and will create one of the better double play combinations in the National League when he teams up with Adeiny Hechavarria.
An All-Star in 2014, Gordon hit an impressive .289/.326/.378 over 650 plate appearances. He led the league in stolen bases with 64 and in triples with 12.
The Marlins should still be active in free agency and the trade market as the MLB Winter Meetings continue. They have already expressed interest in adding a big bat to hit behind Stanton, preferably someone who can play first base, and a top-two starting pitcher.
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