Barraclough linked to Dodgers in trade buzz

MIAMI -- Kyle Barraclough is going about his business with a single-minded focus, and the Marlins closer doesn't get caught up in anything that could cause distractions.
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But the way the right-hander is pitching, Barraclough's generating plenty of attention. On Monday, the 28-year-old was named the National League Reliever of the Month presented by The Hartford for June. On the same day he was prominent in trade rumors.
According to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi, the Marlins and Dodgers have had preliminary discussions regarding three Miami relievers -- Barraclough, rookie right-hander Drew Steckenrider and left-hander Adam Conley.
All three are under club control, and all three appeared in Monday night's walk-off 3-2 win over the Rays. Barraclough stumbled, giving up the lead in the ninth inning. Steckenrider contributed one scoreless inning of relief, and Conley tossed 2/3 of an inning of shutout ball.
Barraclough is eligible for arbitration for the first time in 2019 and won't qualify for free agency until the 2022 season.
According to sources, the asking price for Barraclough is extremely high. The Marlins have already discussed internally a willingness to retain Barraclough, who is viewed as a foundation piece for in the next few seasons.
Still, the Marlins will also listen to offers for all players, and if an offer is made that is too tempting to pass up, they will consider it.
Considering the fact that Barraclough still has not reached arbitration and that he's performing at a high level (0.99 ERA, 0.74 WHIP), the Marlins are basically looking for another club's top prospect, or among their top prospects, to be included in any trade.
Dealing Steckenrider, a rookie, is even less likely. Conley, who seems to be settling in as a reliever, has started in the past, but also has had his ups and downs. He could be the most realistic trade piece, if the club is willing to deal a reliever on the current big league roster.
As for Barraclough, he is simply adjusting to being the closer, a role he inherited from Brad Ziegler a few weeks ago.
In June, Barraclough converted all seven of his save chances, and he allowed one hit in 36 at-bats.
"I'm kind of just, 'Get three outs, get the team the win, and get out of there,'" Barraclough said. "I think, obviously, I've been a little more efficient with my pitch count this year. That's kind of been a big thing for me, get the inning over with. You don't need to throw 25 pitches an inning and strike everyone out. A ground out is as good as a strikeout. Get the inning over with, and get the win."