The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a significant move to bolster their bullpen by acquiring left-handed reliever A.J. Puk from the Miami Marlins. In exchange, the Marlins received two promising prospects, Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar, marking a strategic maneuver for both teams as they eye future successes.
A.J. Puk: A Valuable Addition
A.J. Puk started the season in the Marlins' rotation, but after four starts, he transitioned back to the bullpen—a role in which he has thrived. This year, Puk has been exemplary on the mound as a reliever, boasting a 2.08 ERA with 33 strikeouts and just six walks over 30 1/3 innings. His impressive performance has earned him an ERA+ of 109 over parts of five big-league seasons.
Looking to fortify their bullpen, the Diamondbacks hope Puk will provide stability and effectiveness in the late innings. He is expected to take on the role of the primary lefty setup man behind closer Paul Sewald.
Another beneficial aspect of this acquisition for the Diamondbacks is that Puk will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season. This ensures they have control over a talented reliever for the foreseeable future as they continue their chase for a playoff berth.
Prospects Heading to Miami
In exchange for Puk, the Diamondbacks parted with two notable prospects, Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar. De Los Santos, who has shown significant power this season, has hit 28 home runs in a combined 87 games at the Double-A and Triple-A levels. His career slash line of .293/.343/.508 over four minor-league seasons underscores his potential to be a future star. This season, he has displayed versatility by playing at first base, third base, and as a designated hitter.
Andrew Pintar, another piece heading to Miami, has demonstrated consistent performance at the plate with a .266/.355/.413 batting line in two minor-league campaigns. Recently promoted to Double-A, Pintar has predominantly played center field as a pro but has also seen time in left field and at second base. His multifaceted skill set adds depth to Miami's outfield prospects.
Current Playoff Race and Strategic Implications
The Diamondbacks currently hold a 53-50 record and are just one game behind the San Diego Padres for the third and final wild-card position in the National League. The competition is fierce with nine teams in the NL within 5 1/2 games of the final wild-card berth. This trade signifies a targeted effort by the Diamondbacks to strengthen their bullpen for the critical stretch run.
The Marlins, meanwhile, are betting on future growth by receiving two prospects who could potentially become key contributors. In De Los Santos and Pintar, they acquire young players with high ceilings who could significantly impact their roster in the coming years.
Overall, this is a strategic move by both teams with immediate and long-term implications. The Diamondbacks bolster their bullpen for a playoff push while the Marlins add promising talent to their farm system, setting the stage for future development.