Batting champ Arraez traded to Marlins for López, more
MIAMI — The Marlins on Friday acquired reigning American League batting champion and All-Star infielder Luis Arraez from the Twins for right-hander Pablo López and two prospects, infielder Jose Salas (No. 5 within the Marlins’ system) and outfielder Byron Chourio.
The 25-year-old Arraez, who’s underneath group management by means of 2025, has a .314 common by means of 389 profession video games. Though listed as a second baseman, Arraez is more likely to see most of his enjoying time cut up between first base and designated hitter for the Marlins. They at the moment have only one first baseman on the 40-man roster: Garrett Cooper, who is ready to develop into a free agent after the ‘23 season.
Arraez turns into the primary participant since Rod Carew (1978-79) — additionally traded from the Twins — to be dealt the offseason after successful a batting title, in response to the Elias Sports Bureau.
By including Arraez, Miami beneficial properties each spectacular offensive energy and much-needed infield depth. Arraez made 60 begins at first base in 2022, whereas making 31 begins at second base and 34 at designated hitter. Given how Cooper struggled with accidents within the second half of final season, having Arraez in a position to take the fielding stress off the 32-year-old is probably going a significant draw for Miami.
López, who will flip 27 in March and is underneath group management by means of 2024, has a 3.94 ERA throughout 5 seasons (94 begins) with the Marlins. Last yr, López mixed with ace Sandy Alcantara to supply a robust one-two punch atop Miami’s rotation, making a career-high 32 begins in his first totally wholesome season.
Also included within the deal is Salas, who’s projected to succeed in the Majors by 2024. He boasts plus velocity, strong arm energy and hits nicely from each side of the plate. The 17-year-old Chourio, one of many Marlins’ worldwide prospects, was signed in January 2022 and performed within the Dominican Summer League final season.
