The Marlins introduced they’ve signed infielder/outfielder Eric Wagaman to a one-year main league deal. Infielder Vidal Bruján has been designated for project because the corresponding transfer. Wage figures for Wagaman weren’t reported however it’s seemingly close to the main league minimal because the Paragon Sports activities Worldwide shopper simply made his main league debut this yr. Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase reported on the signing previous to the official announcement.
Wagaman, 27, was drafted by the Yankees and spent his complete profession with that membership till a few yr in the past, when the Angels plucked him away within the minor league section of the 2023 Rule 5 draft. After a robust season within the minors, the Angels referred to as him as much as the massive leagues on September 10. He bought into 18 video games down the stretch because the membership was taking part in out a shedding season, stepping to the plate 74 occasions and hitting .250/.270/.403. He was non-tendered on the finish of the yr, sending him to free company with out being uncovered to waivers.
That’s a really small pattern dimension and the Marlins most likely aren’t giving it a lot weight. He has 897 minor league plate appearances over the previous three years, with some intriguing numbers in that bigger pattern. He hit 35 residence runs, struck out simply 16.9% of the time and drew walks at a 9.5% clip. He has a mixed batting line of .276/.348/.473 over these three seasons, which interprets to a 129 wRC+.
He additionally stole 26 bases in that stretch, getting caught seven occasions. Defensively, Wagaman was largely a primary baseman with the Yankees however the Angels fanned him out a bit, having him line up at first but additionally third base and the outfield corners this yr.
The rebuilding Marlins have little or no settled of their place participant combine. Finally yr’s deadline, they traded away Jazz Chisholm Jr., Josh Bell and Bryan De La Cruz. This offseason, they’ve despatched Jake Burger packing as properly. Not one of the place gamers on the roster have even 4 years of main league service time. Jesús Sánchez is the one man with greater than three, whereas Nick Fortes and Derek Hill are the one guys with greater than two.
Briefly, there’s little or no written in stone. Sánchez will seemingly have a nook outfield job however is a candidate to be traded if the Marlins get a proposal they like. Connor Norby, Jonah Bride, Griffin Conine, Deyvison De Los Santos, Kyle Stowers and others are candidates for jobs within the corners however they’re all pretty inexperienced. Wagaman has a full slate of choices, so he can present minor league depth at numerous spots or battle for a giant league job. He has only a few days of service time and might be cheaply retained into the longer term if he continues to hold onto his roster spot.
Bruján, 27 in February, was as soon as a prime 100 prospect however he hasn’t but lived as much as that hype. He was praised for his pace, athleticism, plate self-discipline and talent to play a number of positions. Sadly, he hasn’t been capable of do sufficient injury with the bat to make an impression. He has stepped to the plate 550 occasions over the previous 4 seasons, with 5 residence runs and a .189/.261/.270 batting line. He has swiped 14 baggage however he’s additionally been caught 13 occasions.
DFA limbo usually lasts per week however latest years have seen that clock paused over the interval from Christmas to New Yr’s. On this date final yr, Ryan Jensen was designated for project by the Marlins and he wasn’t claimed off waivers by the Twins till January 4, over two weeks later. That may give the Fish a while to see if any membership is fascinated with taking a flier on Bruján.
For what it’s price, the minor league outcomes have continued to be good, whilst he has floundered within the majors. He has simply over a thousand Triple-A plate appearances over the previous 4 years and has slashed .272/.357/.451 in these for a wRC+ of 113. He’s out of choices however he has lower than three years of service time, that means he can present 4 years of membership management if any group is keen to provide him a roster spot. He has performed each place besides catcher, giving him loads of methods to theoretically slot right into a membership’s plans.
