The Arizona Diamondbacks and Miami Marlins got an early start on Major League Baseball’s trade deadline action with a recent trade agreement.
In the trade deal, the Diamondbacks acquired left-handed reliever A.J. Puk from the Marlins. This trade involved sending two of the Diamondbacks’ top 30 prospects to Miami: infielder Deyvison De Los Santos and outfielder Andrew Pintar.
Puk, standing at 6-foot-7, has been performing exceptionally well for several seasons and has recently elevated his game. Initially starting the season in the Marlins’ rotation, Puk struggled in four starts, prompting his transition back to the bullpen in May. Since then, he has been outstanding in 28 appearances, maintaining a 2.08 ERA over 30.1 innings pitched with an impressive .159 batting average against, 33 strikeouts, and only six walks. His track record in the bullpen showcases his sustained excellence over the past two seasons.
The addition of Puk to the Diamondbacks’ bullpen comes at a crucial time as their relief pitchers have collectively struggled this season, ranking among the bottom in the league. Puk’s early success in 2023 positions him as a valuable asset for Arizona, especially given his arbitration eligibility in 2025 and free agency not until 2027.
In exchange, the Marlins acquired two promising prospects. De Los Santos, with a strong offensive record in Double-A and Triple-A this year, could soon be MLB-ready, while Pintar, known for his speed, shows promise across various minor league levels.
Despite not being the top left-handed reliever on the Marlins this season, Puk’s acquisition bolsters the Diamondbacks’ bullpen as they continue to perform well since June, winning eight of their last 11 games. With key veteran pitchers returning from injury, Arizona looks primed for a strong late-season push and potentially impressive October performance, aiming to replicate their surprise 2023 World Series run. The addition of Puk adds another dimension to their pitching depth and strengthens their playoff aspirations.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches on Tuesday, the excitement and activity in the league have already begun, with teams making significant moves to position themselves for a successful postseason push.