The Miami Marlins have made a strategic move by acquiring outfielder Esteury Ruiz from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade for minor league right-hander Adriano Marrero. This move is particularly intriguing given Ruiz's impressive track record as a base stealer. In 2023, the 26-year-old Ruiz led the American League with 67 stolen bases, showcasing his exceptional speed and baserunning skills. While he has a career batting average of .241 across four major league seasons with four different teams, his defensive prowess and ability to get on base make him a valuable asset to any team.
The Dodgers acquired Ruiz from the Athletics last April, but he was underutilized as a reserve player during his time with the back-to-back World Series champions. Ruiz's limited playing time in Los Angeles saw him bat a modest .190 in 19 games, primarily as a defensive replacement or pinch runner. To accommodate Ruiz's addition, the Marlins designated infielder Eric Wagaman for assignment, creating space on their 40-man roster.
This trade is particularly timely for the Marlins, who are looking to replace outfielder Dane Myers, who was recently traded to the Cincinnati Reds. With his speed and baserunning skills, Ruiz could be the ideal candidate to fill the void left by Myers, providing the Marlins with a dynamic and versatile player who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
