Marlins trade deadline rumor reveals four unexpected players they're open to selling

The Miami Marlins went on a historic 12-game losing streak in the middle of July, but they've since won two games over the Philadelphia Phillies and are just 2.0 games back of the Wild Card.

It would not be a surprise if the Marlins found a way to sneak into the postseason this year, and yet, the latest rumor for the team ahead of the trade deadline is a bit unexpected.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Marlins are reportedly willing to listen to trade offers for four key players that a normal contender would normally never ponder moving.

Marlins open to trading four key players in unexpected trade update

"The Marlins are willing to listen regarding potential offers for some intriguing young players such as middle infielders Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards, catcher/designated hitter Liam Hicks and outfielder Heriberto Hernandez, league sources said," Sammon and Rosenthal report.

This is a significant update for the Marlins ahead of the August 3 trade deadline, as they've now opened the door for some of the team's most key players to be traded this summer.

Lopez was an All-Star this season and leads all of Major League Baseball in hits (136), doubles (27), and batting average (.328). The 27-year-old is under club control through 2029, and would be a significant loss if traded.

Edwards is another key player who would be a bit of a surprise if dealt. He's 26 years old and is under club control through 2029, like Lopez. He has a .291 average with 2.8 bWAR this season, and would be one of the best infield targets at this year's deadline.

Hicks has been mentioned in trade rumors before, as Joe Mack has made the lefty-hitting catcher/DH expendable. He's 27 years old, and under club control through 2030. He's hit 14 home runs this season with 2.5 bWAR, and might be the best catcher available.

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Lastly, Hernandez is a 26-year-old outfielder who is under club control through 2031, and has 15 home runs this season in 249 at-bats with 1.2 bWAR and a .787 OPS.

All four of these players are reportedly available for trade, though the Marlins aren't going to sell them for just anything. They're going to demand a lofty return for all four players.

But the fact that the Marlins are going to listen to offers for Hernandez, Lopez, Hicks, and Edwards is a bit surprising. They are young, cheap, controllable players who would make sense as building blocks for this Marlins team.

To trade them now, even though the team is seemingly close to turning the corner, would be strange. But, Rosenthal and Sammon are reporting the Marlins will listen to offers on all of them in a very interesting and unexpected trade rumor for the Marlins.

More MLB news:

• Yankees are ‘leading candidate’ to trade for Twins’ Ryan Jeffers
• Red Sox ‘would love’ to trade for Angels’ Zach Neto or Astros’ Jeremy Pena
• Giants willing to trade Heliot Ramos in big news for many MLB clubs
• Padres likely not to trade Mason Miller amid latest update
• Tigers expected to trade Tarik Skubal but still try to contend without him