The Miami Marlins remain hopeful that Dan Haren will start the 2015 season in their rotation, according to a report from MLB.com.
Haren was acquired in December from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade that also brought Dee Gordon to Miami. As part of the trade, the Dodgers will pay Haren's 2015 salary which is $10 million. This would effectively give the Marlins a veteran starter at no cost. The team has been actively seeking such a player and that need would intensify without Haren's presence.
The 34-year old has been open about his desire to pitch on the other coast. Haren however has not outright said he would retire if Miami does not trade him. It remains possible that he elects to play out his contract with the Marlins.
Should Haren stay, he would be part of a rotation that will likely include Henderson Alvarez, Mat Latos, Jarred Cosart and Tom Koehler. The starting rotation would get a big boost around mid-season when Jose Fernandez is expected to return. At that point, Miami would have a decision to make.
If Haren does not end up pitching for Miami, things get a little dicier. The Marlins would then have to decide if they want to go with an inside competition for the job or seek a free agent. Miami has been mentioned as a potential suitor for James Shields but his price is likely going to be too high.
Outside of Shields, the free agent market is thin. The Marlins are not expected to be players for Max Scherzer even if Haren is out of the picture. The former Cy Young winner is seeking a contract that is substantially higher than Miami's budget allows.
Pitchers and catchers are set to report to Jupiter on February 20th and it remains to be seen if Haren will be one of those players.
