The Miami Marlins are in the process of finalizing a trade that would see second baseman Luis Arraez, the reigning NL batting champion, join the San Diego Padres. The Marlins announced on Friday that the deal is pending a review of medical information before it can be officially completed and announced.
Prior to their game in Oakland, the Marlins made a last-minute lineup change, removing the 27-year-old Arraez from the leadoff spot. Arraez then proceeded to bid farewell to his now-former teammates, coaches, and staff by exchanging handshakes, hugs, and goodbyes in the visitor's dugout at the Coliseum.
The addition of Arraez is expected to provide an immediate boost to the Padres' lineup as they aim to close the gap on the first-place Dodgers in the competitive NL West division. Arraez had been performing well for the struggling Marlins, hitting .299 with five RBIs, scoring 22 runs, and boasting a .347 on-base percentage over 16 games during Miami's challenging 9-24 start to the season.
A two-time All-Star, Arraez previously won an AL batting title with the Minnesota Twins in 2022 before being traded to Miami in January 2023 in exchange for Pablo Lopez. The trade, first reported by ESPN, is set to significantly impact both the Marlins and the Padres as they look to strengthen their respective rosters for the remainder of the season.
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