The Miami Marlins have traded second baseman Dee Gordon to the Seattle Mariners.
Miami will receive minor-league prospects Nick Neidert, Chris Torres and Robert Dugger in return from the Seattle deal reached Thursday, as well as a salary relief.
Gordon is set to earn $38 million over the next three seasons, which was a high-number for Miami's new ownership. With the payroll expected to decline in 2018, the Marlins will be forced to make more trades.
Gordon was an All-Star, Gold Glove winner and batting champion during his time with the Marlins. Sitting atop the lineup, the speedy second baseman was a catalyst for many rallies. Miami will have an issue replacing Gordon in the field, as well as in the lineup. Manager Don Mattingly will need to find a new leadoff hitter next season and a new threat on the base paths.
Most reports in recent days have been centered around Giancarlo Stanton, but his no-trade clause has been an issue for the Marlins.
The MLB Winter Meetings will get underway next week and Miami could make more multiple moves at that time.