At a Glance
- Dodgers trade speedy outfielder Esteury Ruiz to Marlins for pitching prospect Adriano Marrero.
- Ruiz served as late-game speed depth for the World Series champion Dodgers last season.
- Marlins fill center-field gap left after Dane Myers‘ move to Cincinnati.
- Why it matters: The move clears a 40-man roster spot and reshapes depth charts for both clubs heading into the postseason.
On Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a quiet but calculated roster move, sending fast-moving outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the Miami Marlins in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Adriano Marrero. The trade reshapes depth charts and opens a valuable spot on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster as the teams head into the National League Wild Card Series.
The Trade
The Dodgers traded Ruiz, one of the fastest players in professional baseball, for Marrero, a right-handed pitching prospect. Ruiz had appeared in 19 games for Los Angeles last season, hitting .190 and stealing four bases, providing the team with situational speed when needed.
- 19 appearances, .190 batting average
- four stolen bases
- Primarily used as pinch runner and defensive replacement
Impact on Both Teams
For Miami, the deal addresses a specific need. After the Marlins moved Dane Myers to Cincinnati, the center-field depth was thin. Ruiz steps into that gap immediately, covering behind Jakob Marsee, providing insurance beyond Victor Mesa Jr., and adding a right-handed bat to complement Heriberto Hernández.
Because Ruiz occupied a 40-man spot, Miami designated Eric Wagaman for assignment. Wagaman, who logged 94 starts at first base in 2024, posted a .250/.296/.378 slash line with 28 doubles and nine home runs. The move underscores the difficult math that often follows roster decisions.
From the Dodgers’ side, the return is developmental patience. Marrero adds pitching depth to a system that values arms with projection and flexibility. Ruiz still has one Minor League option remaining and won’t reach arbitration eligibility until after the 2026 season, but Los Angeles chose roster clarity over redundancy.
Key Takeaways
- Dodgers trade speedy outfielder Esteury Ruiz to Marlins for pitching prospect Adriano Marrero.
- Marlins fill center-field void left by Dane Myers’ departure.
- Trade frees 40-man roster spot, leading to Eric Wagaman’s designation.
The trade clears a roster spot for the Dodgers and provides the Marlins with immediate outfield depth as both teams prepare for the postseason. The move underscores how teams balance immediate needs with long-term development.
