According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Arizona Diamondbacks will trade for Miami Marlins left-handed reliever A.J. Puk. Miami is expected to receive two minor league bats in third baseman Deyvison De Los Santos and outfielder Andrew Pintar.
Puk was dominant as a high-leverage reliever for the Marlins last season. He posted a 3.97 ERA (117 ERA+) in 58 games. The southpaw recorded 15 saves and excellent strikeout and walk rates.
BREAKING: The Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a deal to acquire left-handed reliever A.J. Puk from the Miami Marlins, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 26, 2024
Marlins Trade A.J. Puk to Diamondbacks
Miami decided to deploy Puk as a starter this season. However, the team put him back in the bullpen after the experiment failed miserably. To little surprise, the 29-year-old has been dominant as a reliever and generated plenty of trade interest.
In 28 games, Puk has thrown 30 1/3 innings with a 2.08 ERA, 33 strikeouts, and six walks. The Diamondbacks still want to make the playoffs this year and expect a fortified rotation once key starters return to health. Puk represents an electric high-leverage option with a profile that plays well in the postseason.
AJ Puk since transitioning back to the bullpen this year:
30 1/3 IP
33 K
6 BB
2.08 ERA
0.76 WHIPHe’s a LIGHTS OUT reliever and a fantastic get for Arizona. pic.twitter.com/maWG12y2Qr
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) July 26, 2024
Besides his skills, the Diamondbacks likely wanted to trade for Puk due to his contract situation. He is owed the remainder of his $1.8 million salary this year and has two more years of club control via arbitration.
Prospects Headed to Miami
In exchange for Puk, Miami will acquire Arizona’s 14th and 30th best prospects, per MLB Pipeline. De Los Santos, ranked 14th, entered spring training with the Cleveland Guardians after the Diamondbacks selected him in the Rule 5 Draft.
Cleveland targeted De Los Santos due to his reputation for hitting with high exit velocities and raw power. The 21-year-old had a decent spring but failed to make the Guardians’ Opening Day roster.
Deyvison De Los Santos on the move to MIA for Puk.
Leads AAA in 90th percentile exit velocity at 109 mph. Has a ridiculous .644 xwOBAcon vs 4-seamers pic.twitter.com/mcerDZ1VBs
— Jacob (@JacobE_STL) July 26, 2024
He was returned to the Arizona organization and has mashed in the minors this year. In 342 at-bats, the righty has hit .325 with a 1.011 OPS, 28 homers and 84 RBI. He’s a third baseman but might have to move to first due to his lack of athleticism. Either way, Miami’s system needs players with his offensive upside.
Pintar is a 23-year-old outfielder with a .852 OPS in Double-A. Due to his great speed and athleticism, Arizona moved him from second base to center field. He needs to improve his reads in the outfield, but evaluators think he can stick in a corner outfield spot.
Andrew Pintar is a speedy CF who has been productive at High-A this season, posting a 160 wRC+ before getting a well deserved promotion to AA
He is a patient batter with moderate raw power who consistently makes contact https://t.co/yLMdJI8jAN pic.twitter.com/vu5FdItPfP
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) July 26, 2024
Arizona’s major league roster features multiple young, athletic outfielders. The Diamondbacks clearly chose to use an organizational surplus to trade for a needed arm in Puk.
Photo Credit: © Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
