MLB Trade: Dodgers Send Esteury Ruiz to Marlins

This post takes a closer look at a small but intriguing trade between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins. It’s a deal that swaps speed for upside and quietly reshapes the margins of both organizations.

While it won’t dominate headlines, the transaction highlights how teams juggle roster flexibility and player development. There’s also a layer of long-term planning here that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

Dodgers Flip Speed for Youth in Low-Key Trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers traded outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the Miami Marlins for 18-year-old right-handed pitcher Adriano Marrero. Miami plans to designate first baseman Eric Wagaman for assignment to make room, and the Dodgers’ 40-man roster now sits at 39.

On the surface, this deal seems minor. But for two teams at different competitive stages, it makes sense.

The Marlins get immediate speed and athleticism. The Dodgers, meanwhile, add another developmental arm to their very deep farm system.

Esteury Ruiz: Elite Speed, Uncertain Role

Ruiz, 26, made his mark in 2023 with the Oakland Athletics, leading the American League with an eye-popping 67 stolen bases. That single skill has kept him on the radar, even though the rest of his major league résumé has been a bit uneven.

Across 497 career plate appearances, Ruiz owns a .254/.309/.345 slash line with five home runs. He’s posted a modest 4% walk rate.

Defensive metrics haven’t been kind to him in center field. Durability has also been a sticking point.

After arthroscopic knee surgery following the 2023 season, Ruiz spent most of 2024 in Triple-A. Oakland designated him for assignment in April, then sent him to Los Angeles, where he performed well in the minors:

Those numbers hint at improved plate discipline and contact skills. Still, evaluators aren’t sure how well that production carries over to everyday major league duty.

Marlins Betting on Speed and Depth

For Miami, Ruiz looks like a low-risk pickup. The Marlins have been on the hunt for athletes who can inject speed into a lineup that’s often struggled to manufacture runs.

Ruiz probably won’t be an everyday center fielder on a contender. But his baserunning can flip a game late.

If the Marlins use him in the right spots—maybe as a leadoff option or bench weapon—he could find a real role here. There’s at least a chance for him to carve out a niche.

Adriano Marrero: A Lottery Ticket Arm

The Dodgers keep doing what they do best: stacking up and developing pitching depth. Adriano Marrero isn’t exactly a household name, but he’s exactly the type of arm Los Angeles likes to take a shot on.

The Cuban-born righty pitched in the Dominican Summer League and wasn’t ranked among Miami’s top 30 prospects. He signed for about $350,000 and throws a three-pitch mix:

Scouts see promising lateral movement and projection. Baseball America recently called Marrero one of the 20 most intriguing pitchers in his amateur class.

What This Means Going Forward

Whenever the Dodgers clear roster space, people start talking. Cutting the 40-man count to 39 has sparked some speculation about a possible move, even though there’s no public sign that anything’s coming right away.

This trade shows both organizations leaning into what they do best. Miami picks up the speed it’s been missing, while Los Angeles adds another project to their system, always thinking long-term.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers To Trade Esteury Ruiz To Marlins