The Los Angeles Dodgers continued to reshape their roster depth by dealing outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the Miami Marlins in exchange for minor league right-hander Adriano Marrero. The move, first reported by Francys Romero, reduces the Dodgers’ 40-man roster count to 39 and signals another step in clearing space as the offseason progresses.

Ruiz, 26, is best remembered for his speed. During the 2023 season with the Oakland Athletics, he led the American League with 67 stolen bases, showcasing elite quickness that few players in the game can match. That year also represents the only time Ruiz has logged a substantial stretch of Major League playing time, appearing in 132 games and making 497 plate appearances. While his speed was undeniable, his overall offensive production was modest, as he hit .254 with limited power and a low walk rate. Defensive metrics also painted a mixed picture of his work in center field.

Advertisement

Oakland originally acquired Ruiz as a centerpiece of the three-team Sean Murphy trade, opting for his upside over catcher William Contreras. However, the return did not unfold as the Athletics had hoped. Ruiz spent most of the 2024 season in Triple-A and underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after the season. Oakland ultimately designated him for assignment in April, sending him to the Dodgers shortly thereafter.

Ruiz has appeared sparingly in the Majors over the past two seasons, totaling just 88 plate appearances. In contrast, his production at the Triple-A level in 2025 was eye-catching. He slashed .303/.411/.514 while stealing 62 bases in 73 attempts, showing improved on-base skills and a more disciplined approach against minor league pitching. Over his Triple-A career, Ruiz owns a strong offensive profile, pairing solid contact rates with disruptive speed.

Miami views Ruiz as an intriguing depth option, particularly after recently trading Dane Myers to the Reds. While Myers offered stronger defensive reliability in center field, Ruiz provides greater upside as a base-stealing threat and is younger. Both players are nearing the end of their minor league option flexibility, making Ruiz a reasonable gamble for a Marlins club looking to inject athleticism into its outfield mix.

From the Dodgers’ perspective, the trade does not appear tied to an immediate follow-up move, though clearing a roster spot naturally invites speculation. Instead, Los Angeles adds a developmental arm to its system in Marrero, an 18-year-old Cuban right-hander who pitched in the Dominican Summer League. Though unranked among Miami’s top prospects, Marrero earned praise for his three-pitch mix and projection, giving the Dodgers another long-term pitching project to cultivate.