While some wondered if the Boston Red Sox' acquisition of Drew Pomeranz would at least lessen their involvement in Jeremy Hellickson sweepstakes, one other team appears to be emerging as a serious suitor for the 29-year-old.
According to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, the Miami Marlins are interested in Hellickson:
the #Marlins will make a trade or two and this week they face someone on their radar, Jeremy Hellickson #Phillies
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 18, 2016
Jon Morosi of FOX Sports also says that the Marlins are considering Hellickson, who will pitch against the Marlins tomorrow, as noted above by Frisaro.
#Marlins working to add starter, sources say. Hellickson, Cashner, Pineda on their list. #Yankees not ready to move Pineda yet. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 19, 2016
While these may be the most concrete reports suggesting that the Marlins are in on Hellickson, they aren't the first. Earlier this month, Jim Jackson of the Phillies' Radio Network noted that the Marlins had a scout present at one of Hellickson's starts. ESPN's Buster Olney had also mentioned the Marlins as a team that was potentially interested in Hellickson.
Hellickson, who can become a free-agent after the 2016 season, could help the Marlins improve the back-end of their rotation, as they attempt to either make a late-season push in the National League East or secure one of the league's two wild-card spots. They are currently 50-42, which puts them six games out of the Washington Nationals in the division and one game up on the New York Mets for the second Wild Card spot.
Hellickson is 6-7 in his first season with the Phillies, with a 4.03 ERA. The non-waiver trade deadline is August 1.
