The Miami Marlins have added speed to their roster by acquiring outfielder Esteury Ruiz in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move, completed Monday night, brings Ruiz, a 26-year-old known for his base-stealing ability, to Miami in exchange for minor league right-hander Adriano Marrero.
Ruiz gained national attention during the 2023 season when he led the American League with 67 stolen bases while playing for the Oakland Athletics. His performance on the basepaths demonstrated his elite speed and baserunning instincts, making him a valuable asset for teams seeking to add a dynamic element to their offense.
More recently, Ruiz was part of the Dodgers organization, although his tenure there did not include significant time at the major league level. His acquisition suggests the Marlins are looking to bolster their outfield depth and add a player capable of disrupting defenses with his speed.
Ruiz began his major league career with the San Diego Padres before moving to the Milwaukee Brewers and later the Athletics, where he enjoyed his breakout season. His offensive production has primarily focused on base-stealing and creating opportunities at the top or bottom of the batting order. Defensively, Ruiz has experience across the outfield, giving the Marlins lineup and defensive flexibility.
In exchange, the Marlins will send Adriano Marrero to Los Angeles. Marrero is a right-handed pitcher currently in the minor leagues. Though not yet having made a major league appearance, he has shown potential in developmental leagues, and the Dodgers may look to refine his skills as part of their long-term pitching depth.
Ruiz joins a Marlins team that has placed emphasis on building a roster balanced in both youth and veteran presence. With the acquisition, Miami aims to boost its running game and add a new dimension to its offensive approach ahead of the upcoming season.
