Mariners trade proposal: Going fishing to get Jazz Chisholm from the Marlins

Jazz's stock reached an all-time high around this time in 2022, when he made his first All-Star team at 24 years old. At the time, he was still under control for 4+ seasons through 2026. Fast forward two seasons, and we've seen some ups and downs from Chisolm Jr. He moved from 2B to CF in 2023, but a return to second now seems quite possible depending on the fit for the acquiring club. Since the start of 2023, he's hitting .254 with a 102 wRC+. He's only played 100 games once in a season, presenting a similar flaw to Luis Robert Jr., an injury history.

Despite the fact that Jazz has only accrued 2.3 bWAR over the last two seasons, Marlins POBO Peter Bendix will look for a bounty based on the upside of the Marlins' young star coupled with the terrible state of the Marlins farm system. There are only a few players that the Marlins can move for top 100 prospects and Chisholm is the only position player in the club who can command a return like that. Jerry and Justin will have to part with one of their top prospects, whether it be Cole Young, Colt Emerson, or Harry Ford. Given Cal's team control over the next few seasons, Harry Ford would make the most sense.

Centering a deal around Harry is a good start, but the Marlins will need more to pull off this deal. Remember, you'll have teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and potentially the Phillies negotiating simultaneously with Bendix. For 2+ years of a 2B/CF with Chisholm Jr.'s skillset, you'll likely need another top five-seven prospect. I project Jazz somewhere in the 6-7 bWAR range for the next two years and change prior to hitting the market, but he would be way worse or way better. Much of it will also depend on his health, similar to the other star outfielder on the market, Robert Jr.

While we have yet to see Ford's power manifest in games consistently, he's a great athlete with an advanced approach at the plate for his age. He could stay behind the dish, or potentially move to 2nd or outfield. Harry has a .757 OPS in Arkansas already (AA) at 21 years old, he's probably not more than a year from contributing at the MLB level. My second prospect in this deal would come from the surplus of middle infielders in the org, Tai Peete.

Peete is only 18 years old and ranks 7th in the Mariners farm per MLB.com. Felnin Celesten seems to be the preferred teenage shortstop within the org, but Peete is very athletic and can play multiple positions well with a 55-grade glove. Lastly, I would add Jonatan Clase in this deal as a player who can replace Jazz immediately in center. He might not be an everyday caliber outfielder long term, but he could take over center field temporarily as the Marlins play this season out. Long term, he's probably a fourth or fifth outfielder who can add value as a burner on the bases.