MLB Rumors: A.J. Puk Traded to Diamondbacks; Marlins Get 2 Prospects in Deal

The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired left-handed relief pitcher A.J. Puk in a trade with the Miami Marlins on Thursday night, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Passan added that the Marlins are receiving two prospects in return—Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar.

In 32 appearances with Miami during the 2024 season, Puk posted a 4.30 ERA and recorded 45 strikeouts compared to 23 walks in 44 innings of work.

The Diamondbacks' National League pennant defense isn't off to a great start, as they currently sit one game back from the final NL wild-card spot with a record of 53-50. Their bullpen struggles have been one of the main culprits, as their relievers rank No. 22 among all MLB teams with a 4.24 ERA.

Puk started the 2024 season in Miami's rotation, although he thrived since he moved back to the bullpen on May 13 following a stint on the injured list. In 28 appearances as a reliever, he owns a 2.08 ERA while allowing an opposing batting average of just .159 (via Baseball Reference).

As for the Marlins, they'll bolster a farm system that ranked No. 29 in Bleacher Report's latest farm system rankings. In the rankings, De Los Santos was considered the No. 2 prospect for the Diamondbacks.

The 21-year-old is known for his prowess at the plate, hitting .325 with a 1.011 OPS in 87 games between Double-A and Triple-A in 2024. He's also racked up 28 home runs and 84 RBI.

Pinter wasn't ranked among Arizona's top 10 prospects prior to the move, hitting only .184 with six RBI throughout 38 Double-A at-bats in 2024.

As the Diamondbacks look to make consecutive postseason appearances for the first time since 2002, they fortified their bullpen by acquiring Puk.