The Miami Marlins bolster their roster with the acquisition of Dominican outfielder Esteury Ruiz, coming from the Los Angeles Dodgers, in a move made official this Monday. In return, the Marlins send Cuban right-handed pitcher Adriano Marrero to the Los Angeles organization.
Ruiz, known for his outstanding speed and defensive skills in the outfield, played a supporting role for the World Series champion Dodgers during the previous season. His participation was limited to 19 games, mostly as a pinch runner and defensive substitution, recording a batting average of .190 (21-4) and four stolen bases.
This transfer is finalized two days after Miami sent outfielder Dane Myers to the Cincinnati Reds, which accentuated the Marlins’ need to add a right-handed hitter and a solid defensive option in center field. After Myers’ departure, the team was left without a clear alternative behind prospect Jakob Marsee, beyond Víctor Mesa Jr.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Marlins designated Eric Wagaman for assignment. Ruiz has one remaining minor league option and will not be arbitration-eligible until after the 2026 season.
Wagaman, in his rookie season, had an offensive line of .250/.296/.378, with 28 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, and 53 RBIs in 140 games, leading the team with 94 starts at first base. However, the arrival of Christopher Morel, who will primarily take over first base, significantly diminished his role on the team.
Ruiz, who will turn 27 in February, led the American League in stolen bases in 2023 with 67, playing for the Athletics, and finished second in all of Major League Baseball, only behind Ronald Acuña Jr. (73). In 2022, he managed to steal 85 bases in just 114 games between Double-A and Triple-A.
Throughout his career in the Majors, Ruiz has been traded five times. In 197 games played between 2022 and 2025 with the Padres, Brewers, Athletics, and Dodgers, he averages .241, with 27 doubles, three triples, eight home runs, and 77 stolen bases.
Adriano Marrero, 18, signed with the Marlins from Cuba in the previous offseason. In the Dominican Summer League, he recorded an ERA of 3.82, with 35 strikeouts in 33 innings spread over 10 starts.
Although Ruiz provided depth to the Dodgers during a period of injuries in the outfield, the organization did not have him in their plans for the 2026 season, which facilitated the transfer.
