After being DFA’d by the Baltimore Orioles, outfielder Cristian Pache has found a new home with the Miami Marlins. In a series of roster moves on Thursday, the Orioles placed the out-of-options Pache on waivers, clearing space for three trade acquisitions. Appearing in 50 games for the Philadelphia Phillies this season, Pache, along with reliever Seranthony Domínguez, was traded to the Orioles last Friday.
The Miami Marlins today announced that they have made the following roster moves:
? OF Cristian Pache claimed off waivers from Baltimore
? RHP John McMillon claimed off waivers from Kansas City pic.twitter.com/39SCG4Wbjh— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) August 2, 2024
Marlins Claim Outfielder Cristian Pache From Orioles
As a Phillie, Pache was hitting .202/.288/.269 with a 36.4% strikeout rate and an OPS of .557. The 25-year-old made his Orioles debut as a pinch runner and reached on an infield single in his lone at-bat. A former top prospect, Pache has struggled offensively at the big-league level. Over parts of five seasons in the majors, he is batting .181/.244/.274 with a 30.6% strikeout rate. Lacking on offense, Pache is still a lights-out defender in the outfield. Primarily a center fielder, he is capable of playing any of the three outfield spots. Pache has totals of 12 defensive runs saved and 16 outs above average at the major league level.
Despite struggling at the plate, his glove work made it just a matter of time before another team claimed him. Center field has been a weakness for the Marlins in recent years and after trading Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the New York Yankees, Pache’s standout defense will be welcomed in Miami.
Pache began the year with just over two years of MLB service time. Out of minor league options, he will remain in the majors, finishing with just over three years of service time. That will make Pache arbitration-eligible this winter and it gives the Marlins three more years of club control. While he will not bring another batting title to Miami (although Pache is a career .400/.400/.650/1.050 hitter at loanDepot Park) his defensive wizardry should allow him regular playing time.
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