MIAMI — The Miami Marlins on Friday swung their biggest move of the offseason to date, acquiring Minnesota Twins first baseman and defending American League batting champion Luis Arraez.
Right-handed pitcher Pablo Lopez is the headliner in the trade going back to Minnesota from Miami, although the deal is not a one-for-one. Miami is also sending two prospects to Minnesota in the trade, highlighted by infielder Jose Salas, who is ranked as the club’s No. 5 prospect by MLB Pipeline. Outfielder prospect Byron Chourio, who played in the Dominican Summer League last year — his first in pro ball, rounds out the trade.
Trading for Arraez solves one of Miami’s main problem in securing another first baseman. Before the trade, Garrett Cooper was the only first baseman on Miami’s 40-man roster and the team was toying with the idea of either catcher Nick Fortes (who hasn’t played first base regularly since college) or outfielder Jerar Encarnacion (who has been getting some reps at first base in the minors and in winter ball) being their backup.
