Diamondbacks Bolster Bullpen with Acquisition of A.J. Puk
The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a significant move to enhance their bullpen, acquiring left-handed reliever A.J. Puk from the Miami Marlins in exchange for prospects Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar.
Puk, who started the season in the Marlins' rotation, transitioned back to the bullpen after four starts. As a reliever this year, he has posted an impressive 2.08 ERA, with 33 strikeouts and six walks over 30 1/3 innings, making him a valuable asset for Arizona. With an ERA+ of 109 across parts of five big-league seasons, Puk's consistency and performance underline his potential impact in the Diamondbacks' push for postseason success.
Set to become the primary lefty setup man behind closer Paul Sewald, Puk will be a cornerstone in a Diamondbacks bullpen aiming to stay competitive in a tight National League Wild Card race. Notably, Puk is under team control until the end of the 2026 season, giving Arizona a reliable and cost-effective option in their bullpen for the foreseeable future.
The trade comes as the Diamondbacks hold a 53-50 record and trail the San Diego Padres by just one game for the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League. With nine teams within 5 1/2 games of the final playoff berth, every game counts, and the Diamondbacks’ front office is certainly not leaving anything to chance.
High-Potential Prospects Head to Miami
Going the other way, the Marlins receive two promising prospects brimming with potential. Deyvison De Los Santos, a powerful hitter, has clubbed 28 home runs over a combined 87 games at Double- and Triple-A levels this season. Over four minor-league seasons, he boasts a career slash line of .293/.343/.508, demonstrating his consistent offensive prowess. This season, De Los Santos has shown versatility by playing at first base, third base, and as a designated hitter (DH), adding depth to Miami's roster options.
Andrew Pintar, another promising talent, has showcased his batting skills with a .266/.355/.413 line in two minor-league campaigns. Pintar was recently promoted to Double-A, highlighting his progression through the minor leagues. Primarily a center fielder as a professional, Pintar has also seen action in left field and second base, providing the Marlins with a flexible and developing asset.
Strategic Moves for Both Sides
This trade marks a strategic move by both franchises. For the Diamondbacks, bolstering their bullpen with a proven MLB pitcher like Puk can make a significant difference as they vie for playoff contention. Puk's experience and recent success in the bullpen should help solidify Arizona's late-game pitching, an area critical for any team with postseason aspirations.
For the Marlins, trading away Puk for promising younger talent aligns with their broader organizational goals. Acquiring De Los Santos and Pintar offers Miami a chance to cultivate their pipeline with potential star players who could contribute at the major-league level in the near future. This infusion of young talent can help Miami build a foundation for sustained success.
The trade is a calculated gamble for both teams, emphasizing their unique positioning and immediate needs. The Diamondbacks are keen to strengthen their team for a playoff push now, while the Marlins continue to focus on building a robust future by banking on the potential of their new acquisitions.
With the National League Wild Card race heating up, the final weeks of the season promise to be a thrilling ride for fans and players alike. The Diamondbacks' acquisition of A.J. Puk could very well be the move that tips the scales in their favor, as they navigate the competitive landscape ahead. On the other hand, the Marlins are setting up for a promising future, betting on the growth and success of De Los Santos and Pintar. Both teams, it appears, have played their cards well.