Esteury Ruiz led the American League in stolen bases just two years ago. Now he's on his fifth team since signing as a minor league free agent with the Royals in 2017.
The Dodgers shipped the 26-year-old outfielder to Miami on Monday night, receiving 18-year-old Cuban pitcher Adriano Marrero in return. For those counting, that's a guy who stole 67 bags in 2023 exchanged for someone who just turned old enough to vote.
The numbers tell a complicated story. Ruiz hit .190 in 19 games for LA this season, mostly appearing as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement during the World Series repeat. At Triple-A Oklahoma City, though, he slashed .303/.411/.514 with 62 stolen bases across 104 games. The talent hasn't disappeared. The opportunity has.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Marlins plan to designate first baseman Eric Wagaman for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster. Miami sees Ruiz as the heir to Dane Myers, whom they dealt to Cincinnati last week. The speedster provides something the Fish desperately need—a righty-hitting backup outfielder with legitimate wheels.
"Mark Kotsay, the manager, really liked him," Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts said back in April when LA first acquired Ruiz from Oakland. "I know he's a plus-runner, really astute baserunner."
The return might seem underwhelming at first glance. Marrero pitched 33 innings in the Dominican Summer League this year, posting a 3.82 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 12 walks across 10 starts. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, scouting reports suggest his fastball touches 94 mph with good movement on his secondary stuff—a sweeper and changeup that could develop further.
Here's what matters more than the trade itself: the Dodgers just dropped their 40-man roster to 39 players.
That's one open spot. One flexible piece for whatever Andrew Friedman has cooking. The defending champions don't make moves for no reason, and they've been linked to some massive names this offseason—names that rhyme with Barik Scubal.
For Miami, the calculation is simpler. They're buying low on a former top-100 prospect who might rediscover his form with proper playing time. Director of player development Josh Bendix has a track record of unlocking guys like Ruiz. If it works, they've got a stolen base threat for practically nothing. If it doesn't, they've lost a teenage lottery ticket who might never reach Double-A.
The Dodgers are playing chess. The Marlins are playing the long game. Everyone else is watching to see what happens next.