Hot Stove League Review: Marlins

Despite finding themselves in the still-early stages of a complete rebuild, the Marlins were quite active in the Hot Stove League including spending money on some veteran talent which may keep them from being horrible in 2020.  Key moves:

Free Agent Losses:  Starlin Castro(2B), Wei-Yin Chen(LHP), Jarlin Garcia(LHP), JT Riddle(SS/CF), Tayron Guerrero(RHP), Tyler Kinley(RHP), Hector Noesi(RHP), Bryan Holaday(C), Jose Quijada(LHP), Brian Moran(LHP), Martin Prado(IF- Retired), Curtis Granderson(OF- Retired).

Free Agents Signed:  Corey Dickerson(OF- 2 yrs/$17.5 M), Brandon Kintzler(RHP), Francisco Cervelli(C), Matt Joyce(OF), Yimi Garcia(RHP).

Trades:  1.  Acquired Jonathan Villar(IF/OF) from the Orioles for Easton Lucas(LHP).  2.  Acquired Steven Tarpley(LHP) from the Yankees for James Nelson(3B) and cash.  3.  Acquired Angeudis Santos(IF) from the Red Sox for Austin Brice(RHP).  4.  Acquired Jose Estrada(C) from the Angels for Kyle Keller(RHP).  5.  Acquired Deowill Burgos(OF) from the Cardinals for Austin Dean(OF).

Waiver Claim:  Jesus Aguilar(1B) from the Rays.

Rule 5 Draft:  Sterling Sharp(RHP).

Minor League Free Agents:  Matt Kemp(OF), Brad Boxberger(RHP), Sean Rodriguez(UT), Josh Smith(RHP), Ryan Lavarnaway(C), Pat Ventitte(RHP/LHP), Ryan Cook(RHP).

Summary:  A mixture of present value pickups and future lottery tickets which is all appropriate for a team in the middle of a rebuild although I would like to see more teams rebuild the way the Reds are doing it.  It's not clear to me why they let Jarlin Garcia get away, but as a Giants fan I'm happy they did.  Steven Tarpley looks like he has a chance to be a better lefty reliever, but hey!  You can never have too many of those, right?  Kintzler is a guy I thought the Giants might be interested in who will bolster the bullpen at a nice price.  The big coup was trading for Jonathan Villar who the Orioles inexplicably jettisoned.  It also did not cost them anything to hope for a rebound season from Jesus Aguilar who was 6'th in voting for MVP in 2018.

Grade C+.