Marlins shut out Cardinals 2-0 on July 31, 2025, thanks to a Jesús Sánchez homer and Cal Quantrill's gem. But will a trade deadline deal shake up the team?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think you know what this Marlins team is, they reel you back in. Miami capped off another dominant road series with a crisp 2-0 shutout over the St. Louis Cardinals, marking their fifth consecutive series victory and 10th win in their last 13 games. While the team on the field is firing on all cylinders, the front office is fielding calls, creating a fascinating tension as the trade deadline looms.
With the win, the Marlins have now won an incredible 17 of their last 22 road games.
Thursday's victory was a classic Marlins formula for success: dominant pitching and just enough offense. Cal Quantrill was masterful, spinning five scoreless innings to earn his fourth win. The offense came from one swing of the bat, a third-inning, two-run blast by Jesús Sánchez that scored Xavier Edwards and proved to be the difference. The bullpen was lights out, with Ronny Henriquez navigating a tense eighth-inning jam by fanning Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado, before Calvin Faucher slammed the door for his 10th save. It was a complete team effort that has become the hallmark of this recent hot streak.
Even as the Marlins celebrate another series win, a major question hangs over the team: what happens with Edward Cabrera? Reports indicate the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox are making a strong push for the 27-year-old starter, who has been excellent this season with a 3.48 ERA and 92 strikeouts. Despite being just a few games under .500 at 51-55, the front office appears committed to a seller's stance, hoping to leverage assets like Cabrera or even Sandy Alcantara to rebuild the farm system. It's a tough pill to swallow for fans watching the team play its best baseball of the year.
If the Marlins do decide to trade a key piece like Cabrera, the goal is to acquire players like Diwarys Encarnación. The 19-year-old third baseman is having a monster season for the FCL Marlins, posting a .305/.399/.534 slash line with seven homers. His development, particularly his newfound power and plate discipline, is exactly the kind of high-ceiling talent the organization hopes to multiply. International scouting director David Hernandez has praised his work ethic, signaling that a promotion is on the horizon. Encarnación's rise is a crucial reminder of the long-term vision, even if it means short-term pain at the big-league level.
So where do the Marlins go from here? They are playing with confidence and swagger, looking like a team that can compete with anyone. But the next 24 hours will be telling. Will the front office stick to the plan and trade a valuable arm for future assets, or will this incredible run convince them to stand pat? Either way, the final two months of the 2025 season just got a lot more interesting. Buckle up, Marlins fans.
