Miami Marlins Sign RHP Chris Paddack to One-Year $4M Deal

This piece breaks down the Miami Marlins’ signing of Chris Paddack, a one-year, $4 million contract that includes up to $500,000 in performance bonuses. What does this mean for the Marlins’ rotation after they traded two starters this offseason?

Contract details and team context

Under the agreement, Paddack gets $4 million for the coming season. He could snag another $500,000 in bonuses if he hits certain innings or performance marks.

Miami adds instant rotation depth with this move. They’re trying to patch up the starting staff after sending Edward Cabrera to the Cubs and Ryan Weathers to the Yankees.

What Paddack brings to Miami’s rotation

The 30-year-old righty heads into a new chapter after seven seasons in the majors. He’s played for San Diego (2019–21), Minnesota (2022–25), and Detroit (2023–24).

Last season, he went 5-12 with a 5.35 ERA over 28 starts and five relief outings for Minnesota and Detroit. The split: 3-9 with a 4.95 ERA in 21 starts for the Twins, then 2-3 with a 6.32 ERA after moving to the Tigers.

His career numbers: 32-36 record and a 4.64 ERA in 110 starts, plus eight relief appearances. He’s shown durability, and maybe there’s still room for a rebound—Miami’s betting on that with this short-term deal.

• He’s started 110 games and made eight relief appearances, so the Marlins get a reliable depth arm.
• Paddack can work as a traditional starter or handle a multi-inning bullpen role if they need it.
• At age 30, there’s still hope for a bounce-back year—low risk, high reward for a one-year flyer.
• He’s played for three different clubs, giving him a good mix of experience and the ability to adapt to new coaching staffs and situations.

Miami’s front office wants Paddack’s veteran presence and his ability to eat innings to help stabilize the back end of the rotation. They’ll need that as younger pitchers come up and the club sorts through a hectic offseason.

Financial terms and impact on Miami’s strategy

The deal’s pretty simple: $4 million for one year, with up to $500,000 in bonuses. That matches the Marlins’ strategy—add depth, stay flexible, and avoid long-term commitments.

With Paddack on a short-term contract, Miami can watch him in spring training and see where he fits best. They’ll need plenty of starting options to get through the season and deal with whatever injuries pop up.

Career arc and context

Over seven big-league seasons, Paddack has a 32-36 record and a 4.64 ERA. He’s made 110 starts and pitched in eight games out of the bullpen.

Paddack debuted with San Diego (2019–21). After that, he threw for Minnesota (2022–25) and Detroit (2023–24).

This past season, he went 5-12 with a 5.35 ERA in 28 starts and five relief outings split between the Twins and Tigers. With the Twins, he finished 3-9 with a 4.95 ERA across 21 starts, while his Tigers run ended at 2-3 and a 6.32 ERA after the trade.

Miami’s signing shows they’re still trying to put together a flexible, competitive rotation without overspending. It fits with their plan to rely on pitching depth and give young arms time to develop and step into bigger roles.

Information from The Associated Press was used in the report.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Marlins add RHP Paddack on 1-year deal