In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their bullpen as they vie for a postseason berth, the Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired left-handed reliever A.J. Puk from the Miami Marlins. In exchange, the Marlins will receive promising prospects Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar.
Strengthening the Bullpen
A.J. Puk began the season in the Marlins' rotation, but after four starts, he found a more fitting role back in the bullpen. His performance as a reliever this year has been notable, posting a 2.08 ERA with 33 strikeouts and only six walks over 30 1/3 innings. Puk's efforts have resulted in an ERA+ of 109 across parts of five big-league seasons, underscoring his ability to be an impactful player.
Puk is under team control until after the 2026 season, enabling the Diamondbacks to benefit from his talents for several years to come. He is expected to become the primary lefty setup man behind closer Paul Sewald, adding a crucial layer of depth and versatility to Arizona’s bullpen. This could prove pivotal as the Diamondbacks, who currently hold a 53-50 record, chase a wild-card spot in a tightly contested National League race. The team is just one game behind the San Diego Padres for the third and final wild-card position, with nine teams within 5 1/2 games of that coveted berth.
Prospect Talent to Miami
In return, the Marlins receive two young talents who have shown significant promise in the minors. Deyvison De Los Santos has been particularly impressive, hitting 28 home runs in a combined 87 games at Double- and Triple-A levels this season. Over four minor-league seasons, De Los Santos has maintained a strong career slash line of .293/.343/.508. His versatility has been on display as well, having played at first base, third base, and serving as a designated hitter (DH) this season. His power and adaptability could make him a valuable player for the Marlins' future.
Andrew Pintar, another rising star, has a .266/.355/.413 batting line in his two minor-league campaigns. Recently promoted to Double-A, Pintar has predominantly played center field but has also spent time in left field and at second base. His promotion indicates the potential the Marlins see in him to develop into a well-rounded and versatile player.
Strategic Moves for Both Teams
This trade marks a strategic decision for both teams as they aim to address their respective needs. For the Diamondbacks, acquiring Puk reinforces their bullpen, providing crucial stability as they push towards a potential playoff appearance. Meanwhile, the Marlins add to their pool of young talent, looking to deepen their roster for future seasons.
Both teams have articulated clear goals with this trade. The Diamondbacks are focusing on immediate contention, aiming to seize a playoff spot in a competitive National League landscape. On the other hand, the Marlins are investing in their future, banking on the development of De Los Santos and Pintar to eventually enhance their major league roster.
The coming weeks will reveal the impact of this trade on both franchises. The Diamondbacks will look to Puk to offer consistent high-leverage innings, while the Marlins will monitor the growth of their new minor-league additions, hopeful that they will blossom into key contributors.