Arizona Diamondbacks Land A.J. Puk in Trade with Miami Marlins
In a bold move aimed at fortifying their bullpen for a playoff push, the Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired left-handed reliever A.J. Puk from the Miami Marlins. The trade, announced earlier today, sees prospects Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar head to Miami in exchange for the hard-throwing Puk.
Puk’s Impressive Track Record
A.J. Puk started the season in the Marlins' starting rotation but found his groove in the bullpen after four starts. Since making the transition, the lefty has posted an impressive 2.08 ERA over 30 1/3 innings, striking out 33 batters while issuing only six walks. With an ERA+ of 109 accumulated over parts of five big-league seasons, Puk has proven himself to be a reliable arm out of the bullpen.
Puk, who won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season, is expected to assume the role of primary lefty setup man for the Diamondbacks, working behind closer Paul Sewald. His arrival gives the Diamondbacks a significant weapon as they strive to secure one of the National League's coveted wild-card spots.
Diamondbacks' Playoff Aspirations
Arizona currently holds a 53-50 record and is just one game behind the San Diego Padres for the third and final wild-card position in the National League. The playoff race is incredibly tight, with nine teams within 5 1/2 games of the final berth. The addition of a quality reliever like Puk could be the edge the Diamondbacks need to break through the crowded field.
Prospects on the Move
In return for Puk, the Marlins receive two promising prospects in Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar. De Los Santos has shown tremendous power this season, hitting 28 home runs over a combined 87 games at Double- and Triple-A levels. Over four minor-league seasons, he boasts a career slash line of .293/.343/.508. Versatile in the field, De Los Santos has played at first base, third base, and as a designated hitter this year.
Andrew Pintar, who has recently been promoted to Double-A, brings a solid .266/.355/.413 batting line from his minor-league campaigns. Pintar is primarily a center fielder but has also seen time in left field and at second base. His versatility and batting prowess make him an intriguing addition to the Marlins' farm system.
A Strategic Move for Both Teams
This trade marks a calculated strategic move for both organizations. For the Diamondbacks, it’s about shoring up their bullpen for immediate impact as they seek to end their playoff drought. Adding a proven reliever like Puk could make a significant difference in high-leverage situations down the stretch.
For the Marlins, shipping out Puk for high-upside talent signals a focus on building for the future. De Los Santos and Pintar have the potential to become significant contributors at the major-league level, and their development will be pivotal for Miami’s long-term ambitions.
As the Diamondbacks push forward in their campaign, fans will be eagerly watching to see how Puk integrates into their relief corps. Meanwhile, Marlins supporters will keep a close eye on the progress of De Los Santos and Pintar, hopeful that this trade will bear fruit in the coming seasons.
This transaction is one of many as teams position themselves for the crucial final months of the season, underscoring the dynamic and ever-changing nature of Major League Baseball.