The Arizona Diamondbacks have taken a proactive step in bolstering their bullpen, acquiring left-handed reliever A.J. Puk from the Miami Marlins. In a move that reflects both teams' strategic aspirations, the Marlins receive prospects Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar in return.
A.J. Puk: A Vital Addition
Originally starting the season in the Marlins' rotation, Puk transitioned back to the bullpen after four starts. The switch appears to have paid dividends. As a reliever this year, Puk boasts an impressive 2.08 ERA, along with 33 strikeouts and six walks over 30 1/3 innings. His consistent performance has earned him an ERA+ of 109 over parts of five big-league seasons.
Puk's arrival in Arizona is noteworthy, not just for his present abilities but also for his future potential. He won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season, giving the Diamondbacks a reliable lefty setup man behind closer Paul Sewald for years to come. His role as the primary lefty setup man is expected to stabilize the bullpen and provide the team with valuable late-inning options.
Prospects on the Move
In exchange for Puk, the Marlins have secured two promising prospects. Deyvison De Los Santos has shown remarkable power at the Double- and Triple-A levels this season, hitting 28 home runs in a combined 87 games. Over his four minor-league seasons, De Los Santos has maintained a career slash line of .293/.343/.508, demonstrating not only power but also a solid approach at the plate.
This season, De Los Santos has showcased his versatility by playing at first base, third base, and as a designated hitter. His flexibility and offensive prowess make him a notable acquisition for the Marlins' farm system. Meanwhile, Andrew Pintar, who has recently been promoted to Double-A, brings his own set of skills to the table. He has a .266/.355/.413 batting line over his two minor-league campaigns, underscoring his potential as a well-rounded hitter.
Pintar has predominantly played center field as a professional, but his adaptability extends to left field and second base. This range of capabilities adds depth to the Marlins’ prospect pool and provides additional options for their future lineup configurations.
Diamondbacks' Playoff Push
The Diamondbacks' acquisition of A.J. Puk aligns with their current standings and ambition to make a deep playoff run. With a 53-50 record, they are just one game behind the Padres for the third and final wild-card position in the National League. Importantly, there are nine teams within 5 1/2 games of that coveted final wild-card berth, making each roster move critical as the season progresses.
This trade signifies a strategic maneuver by both teams, with Arizona aiming to fortify its bullpen for a playoff push, and Miami looking to strengthen its long-term prospects.
While the postseason remains highly competitive, the Diamondbacks' commitment to improving their roster with seasoned talent like Puk could make the difference in a tightly-contested National League race. As the season heads into its much-anticipated final stretch, both the Diamondbacks and the Marlins will be closely watching how these changes influence their trajectories.