8:48pm: The teams officially announced the trade, and Miami confirmed that Wagaman has been designated for assignment.
6:47pm: The Dodgers are trading outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the Marlins for minor league pitcher Adriano Marrero, reports Francys Romero. Miami reportedly plans to designate first baseman Eric Wagaman for assignment in a corresponding move. This drops L.A.’s roster count to 39.
Ruiz is best known for stealing an AL-leading 67 bases as a member of the Athletics in 2023. That’s the only season in which he has appeared in even 30 games at the big league level. Ruiz batted .254/.309/.345 with five home runs in 497 trips to the plate. He only walked at a 4% clip and, despite showing his plus speed on the bases, graded poorly as a center fielder.
It clearly wasn’t what the A’s had in mind when they chose Ruiz over William Contreras as the centerpiece of their return in the three-team Sean Murphy trade the previous offseason. He spent most of the ’24 season in Triple-A and underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee at year’s end. The A’s cut bait this past April, designating Ruiz for assignment and trading him to Los Angeles.
The 26-year-old has only taken 88 trips to the dish at the MLB level over the past two seasons. He’s coming off a big year in Triple-A, where he hit .303/.411/.514 while going 62-73 in stolen base tries. Ruiz has shown a more patient plate approach against minor league pitching than he did during his big league run a few seasons back.
Miami preferred Ruiz to Dane Myers, another righty-hitting backup outfielder whom the Marlins traded to Cincinnati last week. Myers is a superior defensive option in center but doesn’t have Ruiz’s upside as a base stealer. Ruiz is three years younger and has better career Triple-A numbers, as he owns a .315/.418/.505 line with an 18% strikeout rate at the top minor league level. Myers has fanned in 23% of his Triple-A plate appearances and owns a .295/.380/.440 mark in 98 games. Ruiz has played in more hitter-friendly settings, but the youth and superior contact skills make him a more intriguing depth piece. Both players are entering their final minor league option year.
The Dodgers making a roster-clearing move will fuel speculation as to whether they have anything imminently planned on the free agent or trade front. To this point, there hasn’t been any indication that Los Angeles has any kind of pending move lined up. DFA limbo is frozen between Christmas and New Year’s Day, so this presumably isn’t a move to accommodate a waiver claim.
Whether they have any follow-up moves on the horizon, the Dodgers add a lottery ticket arm to the farm system. Marrero is an 18-year-old righty out of Cuba. He pitched this year in the Dominican Summer League. Marrero wasn’t ranked among Miami’s top 30 prospects but signed for a decent $350K bonus. In September, Baseball America’s Ben Badler credited the 6’3″ hurler with a three-pitch mix (low-90s sinker, sweeper, and changeup) that gets promising lateral movement. BA ranked Marrero among the 20 most intriguing pitching prospects in this year’s amateur signing class.
Opening up that 40 man spot for Kyle Tucker….
Bichette
I’d be surprised if it was for either of them.
Why? You buy everybody else why not them too?
Happens
Max Kepler as the conforto replacement
Lol
That’s actually an upgrade!
oyd
“Max Kepler as the conforto replacement”
As a Dodger fan, if the team, say, trades for Skubal and signs Bichette, I’d be fine with this.
No cap
That trade for Skubal finally going through.
Premeditated roster space ftw
Or Bellinger.
God no…
MIL still happy with William Contreras.
I hope when William Contreras is a free agent he goes to the Yankees so he can potentially play against Willson.
There’s a small chance this happens. If the Brewers are smart they’ll lock William up.
They played against each other all the time as the last few seasons they were of course in the same division (NL central) but at least now with one in the AL and one in the NL and on competitive teams, they could of course now meet in the World Series…. which has brothers or family ever played with or against each other in the World Series….Probably idk
The Brothers Boyer (Ken and Clete) faced off in the 1964 World Series.
The brothers combined for 90 bWAR and over 400 HR over 31 seasons with Ken putting up a highly impressive 62.8 career bWAR.
sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/versus-find…
The Brothers Boyer (Ken and Clete) faced off in the 1964 World Series.
The brothers combined for 90 bWAR and over 400 HR over 31 seasons with Ken putting up a highly impressive 62.8 career bWAR.
Cool, thanks for the facts and God Bless!
I know but I want William Contreras out if the nl Central so the Cubs don’t have to face him.
Chances are he’ll only be a Brewer for another season or two, but the Brewers have several other young players about ready to blossom and become cubs killers themselves anytime now ha, thanks for the fun God Bless
Ken Boyer should be a Hall of Famer, or at least get consideration.
smart move get rid a AAA player in Ruiz who cannot manage hitting in MLB for a 18y strong thrower with possibilities.
now if they use that 40man roster for Tucker….just skip regular season and put them in world series again.
I am shocked that Ruiz was actually deemed worthy of a prospect at all. I figured he would simply be DFA fodder.
Dodgers had him at AAA hitting great. Good time to trade him selling high, and getting a pitcher they can either use or trade later. All the while freeing up a roster spot.
You get more for your bottom 40 guys when the other team doesn’t know you need to clear a roster space within a certain time frame.
I think the Marlins are probably clever enough to figure out that the Dodgers needed a roster space. It’s not a big surprise that the Dodgers were not going to go into the 2026 season with the current 40 man roster.
Hiflew,
No doubt everyone knows that will be adding someone. But I find it interesting how many teams sign someone and have to follow up with a trade or release shortly after.
Even if it’s only a slightly better return, is worth being proactive for that small edge. If you do that in everything you do as an organization, it makes a difference.
No idea if this is a good trade or not. Time will tell.
Perez has always hit in AAA, this is not something new. The Dodgers aren’t “selling high” on him. They’re dumping him for a 6 year in the future lotto ticket prospect that may never reach the majors.
The Fish are actually buying low on a past top 100 prospect, in the hopes that he can finally put it together with them.
It won’t be long before he ends up with the Angels like all former top prospects who become busts
Who is Perez?
Just messing. I know who you meant.
Esteury is staying near the ocean to create a flourishing ecosystem
Such an environmentalist, he.
@hiflew
If the Marlins got something for Dane Myers, Esteury certainly would be tradeable too.
I admit, I was surprised that either were still tradeable commodoties. I still am up for getting Ruiz on the Marlins because Bendix seems to do well with guys like that, but I would’ve preferred getting him via DFA/waivers, but I’m good either way because while we lose a marginal prospect for Ruiz, we gain a marginal one for Myers.
Being that young with that potential upside….. that’s a MONSTER line for anyone at AAA, but for a guy that also has the speed/youth that Ruiz has,+the AAA line last year….There’s value
I still have not given up on Ruiz as a potential big leager. He needs to improve his defense and plate dicipline but I think he has a decent floor as a pinch runner and good contact hitter. If he could at least become a reliable defender he is worth a bench spot
I suppose what’s surprising “to me” is they got a decent young arm with potential upside for him, you think they’d only get a “vet” or the like from a rebuilding team for him..If I was a cardinals fan or if the Crew were in a rebuild I’d be happy with them acquiring Ruiz with his age “tools” and that “line” at AAA last year, why not put him out there again to perhaps see if he learned/“found” something working with those dodgers coaches and maybe that AAA line will finally “translate” because if so, lots-o-“value”
He’ll get a good look and opportunity with the Marlins.
Reminds me of the Michael Busch trade
So happy Michael Busch is doing well
in that its a massive W for the Dodgers? They get to free up a spot AND get the better return back?
Trade is nothing like Busch trade. Very minor trade when we’re talking about Ruiz.
Until Ferris or Hope actually do something at the MLB level or get traded for someone who actually does something at the MLB level it definitely is not a W for the Dodgers. He has a 133 OPS+ as a Cub.
Aaronharper must be jesting, the trade cleared space for Freddie Freeman and brought back two top 100 (both ranked 40-60) prospects. A win win trade if ever was.
Freeman and Ohtani, that is. No room for Busch. Those are the kind of problems the poor Dodgers have.
did you mean Teoscar? Freeman had already been a Dodger for a couple seasons.
Ruiz was a DFA candidate. Busch got legit prospects. This rookie ball pitcher could be one day but it’s a scratch off ticket.
I liked Ruiz, which is a weird thing to say. His speed and defense were pretty valuable, and actually hit pretty well in Triple A. Glad we got a young starter for him though. Seems to be a solid return
You’d have to be a scout to have any idea what Marrero is worth. He’s all of 18 years old with a handful of innings in the Dominican Summer League under his slender belt. Everybody’s a starter at that level. This was a roster-clearing move. Other cleate to drop in 3…2…
Ruiz is a poor fielder.
This add potentially makes the Marlins a very dangerous offense, he can slot in for full-time at bats with Pauley at 3B and either Stowers or Conine at 1B.
Ruiz can hit and he could lead the league in stolen bases.
Teams in the NL East have to be looking at the Marlins as serious contenders in ’26. I like their team more than the Mets and the Braves.
Yeah, an AAAA player who hasn’t hit at the MLB level in years will really put a scare in the Phillies
@fred-3 relax Philly fan, the comment is obviously satirical
Career .720 OPS vs lefties. Decent speed and defense. Marlins have done a pretty good job at getting the most out of guys like this the past 2 years. For a lotto ticket DSL guy? I’ll take it.
Ruiz had another good season in 2025, 16HR in PCL – .303/.411/.514 with 62 SBs
He takes walks, hits for contact and has a little power. Runs as good as any player in the league.
Defense is good too, he can play CF or LF. He is a starting OF in MLB on a low dollar annual deal with multiple years of team control and cost the Marlins an A ball pitching prospect who must be good because Ruiz is a good player
Bet $100 the Braves have a better record than the Marlins in 2026
Risky
Making bets?
Shouldn’t your screen name be “NBA Ref”?
Or Clase
Hmmm…Clase for MLB or Rozier for NBA. Either works.
I can’t believe you bothered to type that. Silly.
I’m seeing lots of posts about the Dodgers going to LA, it’s likely gotten mroe likely yes. But Toronto is still my best for Tucker because they are willing to match the length and money from what I’ve heard.
Pretty safe bet Dodgers are going to LA
I meant Tucker going to LA. Thanks for pointing out my typo
🙂
Definitely mroe likely.
As much as I’d love to see Tucker in LA, (I’m a Dodgers fan), I really don’t see it happening with the 110% tax. With an aging roster, I see them going a little younger in the OF. They have some really good prospects there, and the PCL MVP that deserves a shot at Big League level.
Ryan Ward is the PCL MVP the Dodgers need to play in the big leagues this year. Alex Freland should be given at bats in the big leagues too. Let’s see what these two can do. It makes the Dodgers roster younger which is a plus.
Don’t get your hopes up. It’s well known that PCL offensive stats rarely translate to MLB. Give the kids a chance, sure. But don’t expect much.
I understand that, and my hopes aren’t too high on Ward, but he does deserve a shot. And if he can hold things down until one of the younger, higher upside OF prospects proves they belong, it will be a plus.
PCL? Big leagues? Nonsense. The Alex Freeland stuff is legit though.
What are you bumbling about? Do you need somebody to bang it out on a can for you?
They are more likely to sign Bo 🙁
I doubt they sign Bo either, for the same reason as Tucker with that 110% tax rate. Betts is the SS and they have Freeland, Kim, Edman and Rojas that can play 2B.
Dodgers going to LA is definitely the post of the year!
The only guy on the Dodgers roster…that Stinks!
Roster spot for Kiké
Kike likely won’t be ready for the start of the season.
Don’t need that space when Spring Training rolls around. Kiké isn’t going anywhere, and they can re-sign him and immediately place him on the injured list once camp opens.
Dude has blazing speed. Would be a ton of fun to watch if he could just hit a bit.
Or catch
Man, if he could hit even just .250 and get an OBP of even just .325, he would make a pestering combination to have in a lineup with Xavier Edwards and Jakob Marsee.
My gosh, that could be a track meet on the bases. Opposing teams would need to have a solid defensive catcher out there every night.
Looks like Bellinger back to the Dodgers.
The Remoras get their meal!
I hate to see these speedsters like Ruiz struggle just to put the ball in play. So much fun to watch them run out little dribblers on the infield.
Why name your kid after a saltwater creek ?
A spanish homage to John Wetteland?
Plenty of estuaries in FL.. what’s one more?
Noooooo, there goes LA’s World Series hopes.
He’ll be the rookie closer for the playoffs this year now that Sasaki has graduated to starter.
I came here to see the Goldschmidt to Mets signing.
TWSN sports.
You mean the same site that says Jordan Montgomery signed with the Red Sox today…and the Brewers 2 days ago…
That was just an opinion article suggesting the Mets could sign him as an option. Not an actual signing.
On another note. I did read the opinion article on how the writer believes Judge should ask for a trade considering the Yankees organization hasn’t done anything this offseason to help put them ahead of their last season team.unfortunately Unless they come up big in the days to come I can see some merit in that.
You cant trade judges contract
No, you’re right I can’t. But I believe /they(sports in general)can trade any contract as long as all parties agree.
Unless MLb or the union steps in and invokes “Best interest of baseball” clause.
Clearing space for Tucker and Bichette!!
Sadly I think u may be on to something
4th Outfielder behind Stowers/Marsee/Conine. Great speed that can wreak havoc late in the game is something the Marlins didn’t have. Solid move
I agree this totally fits their dynamic
Is Myers a “superior defensive option” than Ruiz? Are you guys sure about that?
Not saying Myers is a liability and for sure has a better arm, but without checking, I believe Ruiz has been a well above average defender in CF.
To myself: by OAA and DRS, Myers has been better than Ruiz so far in their careers.
Are the Dodgers signing Okamoto or Imai?
Neither
The Marlins have acquired Magneuris Sierra! Who’s next Lew Brinson? Where is this player playing exactly?
Another 67 SBs incoming! Would love to see him get some MLB playing time on a consistent basis.
Marlins seem willing to atleast give him a shot
Dude hit .250 and stole 67 bases. Can you imagine how many bases he will steal if he can hit .270 or get on base around .330? Clearly Miami sees something they like hopefully they can fix him. Certainly has a higher ceiling than Wagaman.
Mostly joking here, but somehow Marrero‘s defensive stats make Ruiz look like gold glover contender.
With that AAA line…. Even if he can’t play defense, the slug could drop ten points and OB% drop five percent and he’d still be a good DH that could steal an immense amount of bases and be used in the outfield in a “pinch”…. Side note I’m still hoping Keston Hiura can catch on somewhere as a DH…. When the universal rule was put in place I was stoked, thought it’d open up a spot for him in a lineup despite his lack of defense (which after watching him at 1b and left field I didn’t see, the guy was average maybe slightly below at first and average to slightly above in left with the ability to make some spectacular grabs every now and again) anyways disappointing he hasn’t latched on but like Ruiz he’s still fairly “young” and hoping these two former Brewers prospects can latch on somewhere, and with Hiura, I mean his power is absolutely absurd and he could easily steal 20+ bases per year….
The athletics wanted ruiz over Contreras because they had Sean Murphy right
The dodgers teardown and rebuild has begun….
Ugh! Dodgers made a move to open up a spot on the roster. Who are the signing this time with their Monopoly money? Bregman? Saurez? Bader? How much is deferred?
Focus on the Pirates, buddy. Winning and trying to win is not of your concern.
That is cute, very cute. Coming from a very bitter Yankees fan, I will consider the source.
That’s funny considering the original bitter post from you Pirates.
I guess that is true. When Monopoly money is used to sign every top talent, I guess we all become bitter. Except, I don’t try to hide it and intentionally insult other fans for their misfortunes. Yankee fans are one of worst at poking at the less fortunate fanbases.
If it wasn’t for the 48% of all their revenue the Dodgers share with the Pirates and all other teams, there would be no Pirates.
And that is the flaw of the game. There wouldn’t be 60% of the league if the revenue sharing wasn’t in the league. Salary cap and floor, is the only way the revenue sharing is eliminated. Of the 30 teams in the league, only 12 teams can survive without revenue sharing. It is a staggering number considering teams like St Louis, Atlanta, Cleveland, Kansas City, Minnesota, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay, Miami, Baltimore, and Seattle depend on a portion of that revenue sharing. To me, baseball would be dull with only 12 teams playing 168 games. Only a round robin playoff experience and potentially one whole league. Thus also would reduce interest and revenue. Players would be taking cuts in pay due to the losses of revenue. Rich teams know they need the poor teams just as much as poor teams need the rich teams. Baseball isn’t a monarchy like some of you believe it should be.
Will not be a cap and likely no floor.
Then revenue will be forever engraved in the sport, much to your dislike
“much to your dislike”
Why put words in my mouth? I am fine with the status quo. And if the rules change I will be fine with that.
Well, how is one to perceive your statement of, “If it wasn’t for the 48% of all their revenue the Dodgers share with the Pirates and all other teams, there would be no Pirates.” after back and forth between us. Leaving “holes” or no clarity in your statement, makes it hard to not think otherwise and that you disapprove of revenue sharing. Make a effort to be clear about what your thoughts and opinions on the matter so some don’t make assumptions.
You can fantasize whatever you like. I simply stated a fact that revenue is shared to the extent of 48% of all income. Revenue sharing is necessary to keep the poor and unwilling to spend teams afloat. I have no quarrel with the system. Is that clear enough for you?
Was that so hard?
just boring
Ruiz isn’t a good baseball player. He had hype as a prospect because he stole a ton of bags but he really is a one trick pony. Not a good hitter but also despite his speed he isn’t a good defender because he has bad routes and reads in the OF.
This makes him tough to roster, at least a peak billy hamilton was usefull as a pinch runner, spot starter in center and defensive replacement but Ruiz isn’t even usable as the latter which makes him hard to use as modern rosters don’t have space for specialty players like short side Platoon DH or pinch runner.
thats a bad take on a guy who hit .315/.418/.505 in AAA – a .100 basis point pop in your OBP is exceptional at any level. This guy has a good eye at the plate, makes good contact, and for his size, he has legitimate power.
The knock on him taking poor routes, this guy has played all three spots in the OF, mostly in center. If you get him everyday run in LF (or CF) he will be an excellent glove.
He is every bit the player that Cedanne Rafaella is.
He was playing in hitter friendly home ballpark and his defense is poor regardless of where he plays.
Yeah but he had an almost 400 babip. I’m not saying he is billy Hamilton bad with the bat but he is a below average hitter with below average defense.
There is a chance he improves defense over time but that has to happen for him to become a really valuable player. For a corner guy with mediocre defense the bat is not good enough
His high BABIP is due to his speed, he legs out more infield hits than anybody in the league.
I watch Ruiz hit, his power is legit. Look at his HR as a Dodger last season. 415 ft to dead center field. Watch him take at-bats, I like his approach, he looks like a hitter to me.
To think a guy with that kind of speed who has been slotted in LF/CF/RF his entire professional career is a bad option in the OF, I don’t get that rational. You could say he takes bad routes, lacks focus, but that is bullhonk.
He can flag it down as well as anybody in LF and CF.
Where did you see him play?
I’m seeing a lot about the Dodgers clearing the room for __________ but this is a nice deal for the Marlins. I’ve long felt the A’s screwed this guy in favor of Butler. But he proved last year in the minors he can still really go. I think he’s going to get a real shot in Miami.
Calling out John Fisher got Ruiz nowhere in Oakland. They buried him and he was already a risk talent. Should have left him at 2B. Ruiz was heck of a lot of fun when he was going
Sandy Koufax’s 90th birthday today. Happy Birthday Mr. K.
Esteury Ruiz stole 67 bases but scored only 47 runs. He rarely gets on base and can’t defend a position. I don’t think he was holding down a position in the Dodgers organization. They just hoped to get the most they could for him.
Yeah, he’s a one-tool, 5th outfielder type. Dodgers did really well here. Marrero has a 3000+ RPM slider and is still young enough where he can get better.