The Luis Arraez trade caught many off guard. When it was announced that Pablo López was traded to the Minnesota Twins, the left-hander had just had the best season of his young career. But in the middle of January, he was packing up and headed to the place that is almost the exact opposite of Miami, Florida, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
López started out red hot and had a great season alongside NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara. Many believed he was on the way to the Bronx in late July when the trade deadline was nearing. However, he stayed put and closed out the season in LoanDepot Park.
The Twins also acquired other players and prospects from Miami. Including Jose Salas, the Marlins’ number-five ranked prospect at the time. The Marlins received in return one of the best young hitters in the league in Arraez, who won the AL batting title in 2022. He batted a .316 at age 25 to become one of the youngest players to ever lead that category.
Miami Marlins: Acquired: Luis Arraez
Arraez arrived in Dade County and did not miss a beat. So far this season he is batting an absurd .420. He is looking to become the second player ever to win the batting title in both the NL and the AL. He would join DJ LeMahieu, who won it with the Colorado Rockies, and the New York Yankees.
Marlin fans are pleased with the returns of the trade so far. The 26-year-old will look to continue to rise up the rankings and lead the Marlins back to the postseason.
Minnesota Twins: Acquired: Pablo López, Jose Salas, Byron Chourio
Let’s discuss the biggest name on the list, that being López. So far in the young season, he is 2-2 with a 3.77 ERA and that’s with an extension the Twins gave him. However he has started off the season well, and he will look to continue to work his way back into the conversation of one of the best pitchers in the NL.
Salas is currently in High-A and looks to work his way toward the Twins’ main roster. He is just 20 years old and has plenty of time left to make it to the big leagues. Chourio is just 17 years old and is currently in the Rookie Affiliate. Chourio is from Venezuela and will look to climb his way up the minor leagues.
The Twins are currently atop the AL Central with a 19-16 record. They have been the most consistent franchise in that division for decades. They will look to continue to win and it may be a long way away, but will look to win the division title. If they were to win it, it would be their first divisional title since 2020.
Miami is second in the NL East with a 17-18 record. They are seven games back from the Atlanta Braves. They have struggled for many years. However, it is still very early in the season and has a long way to go. They are looking to win the NL East for the first time in the history of their franchise.
Main Photo: © Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Pablo López, Luis Arraez, Sandy Alcantara, DJ LeMahieu, Byron Chourio, Jose Salas
