Marlins DFA Eric Wagaman Amid Winter Roster Shuffle

The Miami Marlins made a notable roster move by designating first baseman Eric Wagaman for assignment. This decision ties directly to an impending addition to the 40-man roster.

On the surface, it might seem procedural. Still, it says plenty about the Marlins’ roster philosophy and their vision at first base.

It also raises questions about how Wagaman might fit elsewhere in Major League Baseball.

Marlins Create Roster Space for Esteury Ruiz

Miami’s front office acted with urgency to prepare for the expected acquisition of outfielder Esteury Ruiz. Ruiz brings speed and defensive versatility, which fits the club’s ongoing roster retool.

Clearing a 40-man roster spot meant someone had to go. The Marlins ultimately chose Eric Wagaman.

This move shows the constant balancing act teams face between short-term contributors and longer-term upside. Miami prioritized athleticism and roster flexibility, even if it meant parting ways with a player who handled a heavy workload at first base.

Why Eric Wagaman Became the Odd Man Out

Wagaman, 28, joined the Marlins on a split contract after the Angels non-tendered him. Circumstances quickly thrust him into a major role.

He started in more than half of Miami’s games at first base this season. Over 514 plate appearances, Wagaman posted a slash line of .250/.296/.378 with nine home runs.

Those numbers are serviceable but fall short for an everyday, bat-first first baseman. The Marlins want more offensive firepower at that spot.

Performance Metrics Paint a Tough Picture

Advanced metrics didn’t favor Wagaman’s overall value. Both FanGraphs and Baseball-Reference graded him slightly below replacement level.

For a rebuilding club like Miami, first base often becomes a slot where upside and trade value matter more than stability. Wagaman’s profile, while dependable, didn’t move the needle enough.

Christopher Morel Emerges as the New Option

The Marlins look ready to move forward with Christopher Morel as their primary first baseman. They signed him to a $2 million free-agent deal.

Morel has produced two straight replacement-level seasons, but his skill set offers more upside. He brings superior athleticism, positional versatility, and real power potential.

Morel already has two 20-home-run campaigns at the major league level. Wagaman hasn’t come close to that kind of pop.

Where Eric Wagaman Still Adds Value

Despite the designation, Wagaman isn’t without utility. He profiles well as a bench bat or platoon option, especially against left-handed pitching.

Against southpaws this season, Wagaman hit an impressive .283/.321/.462 with five home runs in just 184 plate appearances. That split alone makes him intriguing for teams that struggle with left-handed-heavy lineups.

Defensive Versatility and Limitations

Wagaman can cover all four corner positions, which adds some situational flexibility. Still, his limited speed and arm strength make him a fringe defender, especially at third base or in the outfield.

First base remains his best defensive fit, though that role usually demands more power than Wagaman consistently provides.

What Comes Next for Wagaman

One reason Wagaman could draw some interest is his contract status. He still has minor-league options remaining and won’t be arbitration-eligible for at least two years.

That makes him a pretty economical depth piece, honestly.

Potential outcomes include:

Wagaman doesn’t have enough service time to refuse an outright assignment, so his next team would have more roster control. Maybe his days as Miami’s everyday first baseman are done, but who knows—his major league journey might have a few more twists left.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Marlins Designate Eric Wagaman For Assignment