Since Peter Bendix assumed his current position as president of baseball operations for the Miami Marlinsthe executive’s message has been quite clear: it is important to add pieces that can give long-term value to the organization. This Wednesday, there was an example of this.
The fish sent infielder Jake Burger to the Texas Rangers in exchange for three Latin prospects in a new day of the Major League Winter Meetings.
In the trade, Miami acquired the services of Dominican Echedry Vargas, who was ranked as the Texans’ 17th best prospect, and Venezuelans Max Acosta and Brayan Mendoza. They all earned an immediate spot in the ranking of the Marlins’ top 30 prospects today, according to MLB Pipeline experts.
“We added a lot of talent to the organization,” said Bendix, in statements reported by the major leagues’ official portal. “We think very good things about the three players we received. I think they are players who add to the overall talent base. There are two very good shortstops and another pitcher. You can never have enough talent. And I think that contributes to the vision of being as good as we can, as soon as we can,” he added.
Vargas, who will turn 20 years old in February, posted a .276/.321/.454 offensive line, with 24 doubles, two triples and 48 RBIs in 97 games in Class A during 2024.
For his part, Acosta (22) hit .288/.353/.425, with 23 doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 58 hits in 104 games with the Rangers’ Double A branch.
In turn, Mendoza, who will turn 21 on Jan. 19, posted a 2.18 ERA in 90.2 innings over 22 appearances (17 starts) in Class A, before making two more outings for the Class A Advanced branch. prior to the end of the season.
Solid stay
Burger had a short internship with the fish after arriving via trade from the Chicago White Sox ahead of the 2023 deadline, but the shoveler managed to make every second in South Florida count.
After posting an .860 OPS in 53 games with the Marlins last year, Burger hit .250/.301/.460, with 23 doubles, a triple, 29 homers and 76 RBIs in 137 games in the current tournament.
