The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Miami Marlins have brokered a deal that sends left-handed reliever A.J. Puk to the Diamondbacks in exchange for prospects Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar. This trade not only bolsters Arizona's bullpen but also provides Miami with promising young talent for their future.
A.J. Puk: From Starter to Reliever
A.J. Puk began the current season in the Marlins' rotation before making a transition back to the bullpen after just four starts. The move has paid dividends, as Puk has excelled in his relief role. Over 30 1/3 innings this year, he’s posted a 2.08 ERA, alongside 33 strikeouts and six walks—a performance that underscores his effectiveness in late-inning roles.
Puk, 28, has etched out a respectable ERA+ of 109 over parts of five major league seasons. His reliability and skill set as a reliever have made him a sought-after asset, especially for a Diamondbacks team vying for a postseason berth. Puk will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season, giving Arizona potentially several more years of control over the left-handed pitcher.
Arizona’s Bullpen Gains Depth
The addition of Puk fills a crucial role in the Diamondbacks' bullpen. He’s expected to serve as the primary lefty setup man behind closer Paul Sewald, a position that requires both precision and poise under pressure. With a 53-50 record, Arizona is just one game behind the San Diego Padres for the third and final wild-card spot in the National League. As nine teams are within 5 1/2 games of that final berth, every advantage counts, and Puk's experience could be pivotal in tight games down the stretch.
Prospects Heading to Miami
While the Diamondbacks have added a key piece to their pitching staff, the Marlins' return package is brimming with potential. Deyvison De Los Santos has been a standout hitter in the minors, smashing 28 home runs in a combined 87 games at Double-A and Triple-A levels this season. Over four minor-league seasons, De Los Santos boasts a career slash line of .293/.343/.508, reflecting his consistent offensive production.
Defensively, De Los Santos has shown versatility, having played at first base, third base, and as a designated hitter this season. His adaptability could prove invaluable as Miami evaluates where he might best fit into their future plans.
Andrew Pintar, the second prospect included in the trade, has shown promise with a batting line of .266/.355/.413 over two minor-league campaigns. His recent promotion to Double-A suggests Miami sees significant potential for development. Pintar has primarily played center field as a professional, but he’s also logged time in left field and at second base, adding another layer of versatility to his profile.
Strategic Moves for Both Teams
This trade marks a strategic maneuver for both squads. For the Diamondbacks, bolstering their bullpen with a proven reliever like Puk signifies a commitment to making a postseason push. His left-handed presence and ability to perform under pressure will be assets as Arizona navigates the final months of the season.
For the Marlins, acquiring high-potential prospects like De Los Santos and Pintar fits into their broader strategy of building for the future. Both players offer versatility and significant upside, aligning with Miami's developmental goals. The focus on acquiring prospects with both offensive and defensive skills reflects a balanced approach to building a competitive team in the long term.
As both teams move forward, the success of this trade will ultimately be judged by the performances of the key players involved. For now, the Diamondbacks and the Marlins have each made moves that align with their respective strategies—a testament to the ever-evolving and dynamic nature of baseball roster management.