The Marlins and Rays agree on the following trade.
Marlins trade:
SP Garrett Cole, $40.0M (2025)
CF Cody Bellinger, ARB6
For
Rays trade:
OF Termarr Johnson, minors
SP Max Meyer, minors
RP Ben Leeper, minors
The Marlins (formerly Astros) struck out when I traded for Cole and Tatis only to have Bauer suspended and the team riddled in injuries. With the same team and new name, the Marlins are rebranded and also pivoting in team building strategy. This move will allow that as Meyer should help the rotation in later 2023 or 2024 for sure and Johnso should hit right when my other young OFs hit ARB4-6 years. Leeper is expected to be an affordable RP to allow for funds to be allocated to other needs. Thanks for the lengthy negotiations. Good luck, it looks like you have made the Rays instant contenders in the AL East.