Marlins Add Speed, Acquire Former Stolen-Base Champ Esteury Ruiz

The Miami Marlins just made a subtle but pretty intriguing roster move, picking up one of baseball’s top speedsters. Let’s dig into what the trade for outfielder Esteury Ruiz actually means for Miami and how he might fit into their plans—plus, why both the Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers decided this was the right deal.

Miami Adds Speed and Defense to Its Roster

The Miami Marlins are taking a chance on speed, defense, and versatility with their latest trade. They acquired outfielder Esteury Ruiz from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In exchange, Miami sent minor-league righty Adriano Marrero to Los Angeles. It’s a modest return, really, and shows that Ruiz is more of a depth piece than a locked-in starter right now.

Ruiz, just 26, brings something Miami’s been missing: real, game-changing speed. This move probably won’t turn heads across the league, but it fills a clear need for outfield depth and gives them more late-inning options.

A Track Record Built on Speed

Ruiz has made his name on the basepaths. Back in 2023 with the Oakland Athletics, he led the American League with a wild 67 stolen bases.

That’s not something you see every day, and it makes him an instant weapon off the bench. He’s played for four big-league teams in four seasons and has a career batting average of .241.

His offense is still a work in progress, but his speed keeps pitchers and catchers honest.

Esteury Ruiz’s Limited Time in Los Angeles

The Dodgers picked up Ruiz from the A’s last April, but he never really found his footing in LA. With so many established stars on the roster, he only got into 19 games.

A Specialized Role with the Dodgers

During those games, Ruiz hit just .190 and mostly came in as a defensive replacement or pinch runner. That’s right in his wheelhouse, but the Dodgers had so much depth that he couldn’t really carve out a regular spot.

The deal also gives Los Angeles a little more breathing room on their 40-man roster, which they probably needed with all the talent they’re juggling.

Why Ruiz Makes Sense for the Marlins

For Miami, the timing isn’t random. They just traded outfielder Dane Myers to the Cincinnati Reds, so they suddenly needed another outfielder.

To fit Ruiz onto the 40-man roster, Miami designated infielder Eric Wagaman for assignment. That says a lot—they’re choosing outfield versatility over extra infield depth right now.

Key Advantages Ruiz Brings to Miami

Here’s what Ruiz brings to Miami’s bench:

If you’re trying to squeeze out every edge, those skills really do matter.

A Move Focused on Winning the Details

This trade won’t reshape the Marlins’ franchise. Still, it reflects a smarter, more detail-oriented approach to building the roster.

By adding Ruiz, Miami gets a player who can change momentum without even swinging the bat. Maybe it’s a stolen base, a first-to-third dash, or a run-saving catch in the late innings.

Championship-caliber teams aren’t just built on stars these days. Specialists who know their role matter just as much.

If the Marlins use Esteury Ruiz right, he might quietly become one of those difference-makers in the seasons ahead. It’s not flashy, but sometimes that’s exactly what a team needs.

 
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