Will Middlebrooks trade rumors: Marlins continue their pursuit

The Marlins remain interested in acquiring Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Boston appears to be content to hang on to Middlebrooks, even if they re-sign infielder Stephen Drew.

Cafardo suggests that a Middlebrooks trade is highly unlikely "unless it's part of a Giancarlo Stanton deal, which isn't happening."

Last season, Middlebrooks struggled to find consistency in the batter's box, hitting just .227/.271/.425 in 348 plate appearances. However, he still managed to hit 17 homers, and was much better after a mid-season demotion to the minors helped him fix his approach, so the Sox will likely keep him around, possibly moving him across the diamond to first to make use of his power. Projected shortstop Xander Bogaerts could move back to third in those instances if the team brings back Stephen Drew.

MLB Depth Charts currently has free agent signing Casey McGehee listed as the Marlins starting third baseman. Ed Lucas, Donovan Solano, and Greg Dobbs are listed as the team's bench options to fill the position.

They recently signed veteran infielder Ty Wigginton to a minor league deal as well, and could call up Jimmy Paredes or former Cardinals prospect Zack Cox at some point during the 2014 season.

The Marlins are likely to use a mixture of players to man third until Colin Moran, their sixth overall pick from last year's draft, is ready to contribute at the major league level.