Dodgers trade outfielder Esteury Ruiz to Marlins

Published: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:46 am

Dodgers Trade Outfielder Esteury Ruiz to Marlins

The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the Miami Marlins in exchange for minor-league pitcher Adriano Marrero, according to reports. Ruiz, known for his speed, played 19 games for the Dodgers after being acquired in a previous trade. He primarily served as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner, batting .190 with four stolen bases. He provided temporary support during injuries to other players but wasn't expected to be a key part of the team's future plans.

Ruiz, a former top prospect, has played in 197 major-league games over four seasons with several teams, including the Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers. The 26-year-old led the American League in 2023 with 67 stolen bases during his only full season in the major leagues. He has been traded multiple times since signing as a free agent in 2015.

Throughout his career, Ruiz has a .241 batting average, a .296 on-base percentage, and a .343 slugging percentage, with 27 doubles, 59 RBIs, and 77 stolen bases. He has faced defensive challenges, primarily in center field, and missed a significant portion of the 2024 season due to knee surgery.

In return, the Dodgers receive 18-year-old right-handed pitcher Adriano Marrero. Marrero, from Cuba, pitched 33 innings across 10 starts for the Marlins' Dominican Summer League team in 2025, with a 3.82 ERA, 35 strikeouts, and 12 walks. Scouting reports suggest he has a fastball that can reach 94 miles per hour and good movement on his other pitches.

The trade opens a spot on the Dodgers' 40-man roster.

BNN's Perspective: This trade appears to be a strategic move by the Dodgers to address their roster needs. While Ruiz offered speed, his offensive production and defensive struggles likely made him expendable. Acquiring a young pitching prospect like Marrero provides the Dodgers with potential future value. This transaction reflects the ongoing efforts of teams to balance immediate needs with long-term development.

Keywords: Dodgers, Marlins, Esteury Ruiz, Adriano Marrero, trade, baseball, MLB, outfielder, pitcher, stolen bases, prospect, roster

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