MLB trade rumors: Marlins inquire about David Price, Rick Porcello

Less than two weeks shy of the seven year anniversary of the infamous Miguel Cabrera deal, the Tigers and Marlins are back in trade talks. Fox Sports' Jon Morosi tweeted that the Marlins asked the Tigers about the availability of starting pitchers Rick Porcello and David Price. Morosi went on to report that "talks were not serious."

This rumor is not much of a surprise (though the team involved is). Last week, we reported that the Tigers might look to trade Price, potentially clearing up payroll space to re-sign Max Scherzer. That they would listen to what the Marlins have to say is not a surprise. Miami has plenty of young, cost-controlled talent on their roster, including a potential replacement in the rotation if the Tigers want a starter in return. Their minor league system is chock full of young arms, many of whom will be knocking on the door of the big leagues in 2015. The Marlins also had one of the better bullpens in the National League in 2014, ranking second with 4.6 WAR and third with a 3.20 FIP.

Both Price and Porcello have one year remaining before free agency. Price made $14 million last season while Porcello took home $8.5 million. MLB Trade Rumors projects them to make $18.9 million and $12.2 million, respectively, through arbitration this winter. The Marlins have historically not been ones to spend a lot of money, but owner Jeffrey Loria has emphasized a willingness to splurge this winter in order to surround Stanton with more talent. Adding a starter of either Price or Porcello's caliber to the rotation alongside Jose Fernandez would give the Fish one of the better one-two punches in the National League.

The idea of the Marlins asking for the big piece in a trade is somewhat ironic, as the Tigers have made out like bandits in the last two blockbuster deals between these two teams. The Tigers acquired Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis for a package of six players in December of 2007. They also picked up Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante in exchange for Jacob Turner, Rob Brantly, and Brian Flynn at the trade deadline in 2012.