The Miami Marlins traded for right-hander Dan Haren last month, though it's looking increasingly unlikely he'll ever throw a pitch for the team.
Haren has reportedly informed the Marlins that he remains steadfast in his desire to pitch for a West Coast-based club, specifically in the Southern California locale. MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports Haren also prefers to join a team with a spring training home in Arizona.
Just three clubs meet Haren's reported criteria: both Los Angeles teams and the San Diego Padres.
Miami acquired Haren from the Dodgers last month in a seven-player deal involving Dee Gordon and pitcher Andrew Heaney. The Dodgers then flipped Heaney to the Angels for second baseman Howie Kendrick. Neither Los Angeles club is reportedly interested in Haren, who is under contract for next season at a figure of $10 million.
| YEAR | ERA | IP | K/9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 (LAA) | 4.33 | 176.2 | 7.2 |
| 2013 (WSH) | 4.67 | 169.2 | 8.0 |
| 2014 (LAD) | 4.02 | 186.0 | 7.0 |
Haren, 34, said prior to the trade that he would only return for the 2015 season if he was pitching for a team situated in Southern California. The Marlins still traded for the veteran right-hander and will receive Haren's salary from the Dodgers next season if he's dealt or not.
"My signing with the Dodgers last year and my decision to exercise my player option were based on my desire to play in Southern California near my family," Haren told ESPN before the trade. "I had other opportunities, but at this point in my career, I have no interest in playing in a city away from my family."
