The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a notable move to strengthen their bullpen by acquiring left-handed reliever A.J. Puk from the Miami Marlins. This trade sees the Diamondbacks giving up promising prospects Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar in exchange.
A.J. Puk's Impact
A.J. Puk began the current season in the starting rotation for the Marlins but was transitioned back to the bullpen after just four starts. His performance as a reliever has been impressive, evidenced by a 2.08 ERA with 33 strikeouts and only six walks over 30 1/3 innings. Puk has also achieved an ERA+ of 109 over parts of five big-league seasons, demonstrating his reliability and consistency at the highest level.
Importantly, Puk will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season, which provides the Diamondbacks with a valuable asset for the foreseeable future. He is expected to become the primary left-handed setup man, supporting closer Paul Sewald, and solidifying the back end of Arizona’s bullpen.
The Prospects Heading to Miami
In return for Puk, the Marlins will receive two intriguing prospects. Deyvison De Los Santos has shown significant power at the Double- and Triple-A levels this season, hitting 28 home runs in just 87 games. Over his minor-league career, De Los Santos boasts a robust slash line of .293/.343/.508, making him a potent offensive presence. His versatility on the field is also notable, having played at first base, third base, and as a designated hitter.
Andrew Pintar, the other prospect involved, has also demonstrated promise. In two minor-league campaigns, Pintar has maintained a solid .266/.355/.413 batting line and has recently been promoted to Double-A. Primarily a center fielder, Pintar has also shown flexibility by playing in left field and at second base, making him a versatile option for the Marlins moving forward.
Strategic Implications
For the Diamondbacks, this trade is a strategic move aimed at bolstering their chances in the playoff race. With a current record of 53-50, Arizona is just one game behind the Padres for the third and final wild-card position in the National League. Given that nine teams in the NL are within 5 1/2 games of the final wild-card berth, every game counts, and adding a dependable arm like Puk could prove to be pivotal down the stretch.
On the other hand, the Marlins, who are likely looking to build for the future, gain two prospects who could make significant impacts. De Los Santos’ power and Pintar’s all-around skill set provide Miami with young talent to develop and potentially contribute at the major league level in the near future.
This trade highlights the different trajectories of the two teams involved. The Diamondbacks are focused on immediate contention, while the Marlins are adding to their stockpile of promising young players, eyeing future success. As with most trades, the true outcome will only become clear with time, but for now, both organizations can hope to see positive returns from their strategic decisions.
The rest of the season will reveal whether the trade proves to be a catalyst for a postseason run for the Diamondbacks or a fruitful step in the Marlins' rebuilding process.