In a surprising move, the Miami Marlins have acquired infielder Jonathan Villar from the Baltimore Orioles. This trade came just a few days before the MLB trade deadline and was first reported by Craig Mish of MLB Network via Twitter.
Let’s take a closer look at how Villar was acquired by the Marlins.
Who is Jonathan Villar?
Background Information
Jonathan Villar is a Dominican professional baseball infielder who was born on May 2, 1991. He was initially signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an international free agent in 2008.
In 2013, he made his Major League Baseball debut with the Houston Astros as a second baseman. Since then, he has played for several organizations, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, and now, the Miami Marlins.
Statistic Overview
Villar is known for his versatility on the field, as he has played multiple positions throughout his career, including second base, shortstop, and third base. He is also known for his speed on the bases, stealing over 40 bases in multiple seasons. In 2019, he led the American League in stolen bases with 40.
In terms of offensive statistics, Villar has shown some inconsistency throughout his career. In 2016, he had one of his best offensive seasons, hitting .285 with 19 home runs and 63 RBI.
However, in 2017 and 2018, his batting average dropped to .241 and .260, respectively. In 2019, he bounced back, hitting .274 with 24 home runs and 73 RBI.
Villar’s defensive statistics have also been somewhat inconsistent throughout his career. His fielding percentage has ranged from .954 to .982, and he has committed between 11 and 27 errors in a season. However, his versatility on the field has allowed him to play multiple positions well, making him a valuable asset to any team.
In summary, Jonathan Villar is a versatile infielder with a strong base-running ability and a somewhat inconsistent offensive and defensive performance. His ability to play multiple positions and steal bases makes him a valuable asset to the Miami Marlins.
Marlins’ Infield Needs
The Miami Marlins have struggled to find consistency from their infield this season. Their current roster includes first baseman Garrett Cooper, second baseman Starlin Castro, third baseman Brian Anderson, and shortstop JT Riddle.
However, Riddle has been inconsistent at shortstop, while Cooper and Castro have also struggled at times. This has led to the Marlins ranking near the bottom of the league in offensive production and fielding percentage.
Villar’s acquisition
The addition of Jonathan Villar will provide an immediate upgrade to the Marlins infield. He is a versatile player who can play multiple infield positions, including shortstop, second base, and third base, which will provide the Marlins with some much-needed depth in their infield.
Additionally, Villar is a solid all-around player who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
Offensively, Villar is an above-average hitter who has consistently hit for a high average throughout his career. He is also a threat on the basepaths, as he has stolen over 40 bases in two different seasons. This will give the Marlins a much-needed boost in their lineup, which has struggled to produce runs this season.
Defensively, Villar has primarily played shortstop throughout his career, but he can also play second base and third base if needed. He has a strong arm and good range, which will help him cover a lot of ground in the infield.
This will also help the Marlins improve their fielding percentage, which has been a weakness this season.
Overall, the addition of Villar will provide a significant boost to the Marlins infield. He is a versatile player who can play multiple positions and will provide solid contributions both offensively and defensively.
With his addition, the Marlins will have a more well-rounded infield that should be capable of producing more runs and improving their overall defense.
Cost of the Trade
In a trade that involves infielder Jonathan Villar, the Miami Marlins have acquired him from Baltimore Orioles, as reported by Craig Mish of MLB Network (via Twitter). Lefty Easton Lucas is heading to Baltimore in return. This trade has some crucial elements that need to be evaluated.
Understanding the Return
In this trade, the Miami Marlins gain a seasoned infielder in Jonathan Villar. He has played in the big leagues for seven years, has stolen over 200 bases, and is currently hitting .274 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs.
Jonathan Villar is highly versatile on the field, having started games at second base, third base, and shortstop in 2019 alone. The Marlins’ weakness at second base was pointed out as the season progressed; Villar can fill this void and also solidify the team’s infield defense.
In this trade, the Baltimore Orioles gain lefty Easton Lucas from the Marlins. He is a recent draft pick, selected in the 14th round of the 2019 MLB draft.
Since then, he has only played in the South Atlantic League, where he has an ERA of 3.96 in 25 innings pitched. Lucas is currently ranked as the Marlin’s 25th-best prospect.
Evaluation of the Trade
The Miami Marlins have made a valuable addition to their roster with Villar. He is a proven player who can contribute to the team in several ways. Trading for an experienced player such as Villar may indicate the team’s management believes it is time to improve their slumping season.
However, the trade does have its challenges since the Marlins have had a long-standing issue with low payroll. Villar is set to become a free agent in the offseason; the team might have to meet an increased salary demand or let him go when the season concludes.
The Baltimore Orioles receive a lefty pitcher from the Marlins. Left-handed pitching has been a priority for the Orioles since the 2018 season. However, Lucas’s potential to perform at the big league level remains unknown, as he has only played low-level minor league ball.
It is also unclear how Lucas will fit into the team’s organizational rankings or pitching rotation. Therefore, this move might not bring much benefit to the Orioles this season.
The Marlins lose two players – JT Riddle and Tayron Guerrero – to create roster space, but they gain a seasoned infielder in Jonathan Villar, which could be a significant positive for the team.
The Orioles acquire a left-handed pitcher in Easton Lucas, but his potential contribution to the team remains unknown. Overall, both teams have met their individual requirements from this trade, and only time will tell if it will be beneficial for their respective seasons.
JT Riddle and Tayron Guerrero’s Designation
why they were designated
The Miami Marlins designated JT Riddle and Tayron Guerrero to create roster space for newly acquired infielder Jonathan Villar from the Orioles. JT Riddle is a 28-year-old shortstop who has been with the Marlins since 2017.
This season, Riddle has struggled at the plate, hitting just .189 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in 106 at-bats. Tayron Guerrero is a 28-year-old right-handed relief pitcher who has been with the Marlins since 2016.
Guerrero has pitched in 32 games this season, posting a 5.26 ERA with 43 strikeouts and 21 walks in 25.2 innings pitched. While both players have shown flashes of potential, their recent performance did not warrant a spot on the Marlins’ roster.
Future impact on the team
The designation of Riddle and Guerrero creates an opportunity for younger players to step up and prove themselves at the big-league level. The Marlins are currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and it is essential for the development of their young talent to get playing time.
The departure of Riddle opens up playing time for Isan Diaz, who was recently acquired in the Christian Yelich trade. Diaz is a highly regarded prospect who has shown promise in the minor leagues, and the rest of the season should provide him with plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent.
Guerrero’s departure opens up opportunities for other young pitchers such as Kyle Keller, who has been pitching well in the minors and could be in line for a call-up.
The Marlins’ designation of Riddle and Guerrero may have come as a surprise to some, but it is an expected move as the team continues to focus on their long-term goals.
The release of both players gives young prospects an opportunity to make an impact at the Major League level while also creating space for a potential trade or free-agent signing down the line.
How Did the Marlins Get Starling Marte?
Marlins’ Need for Offensive Upgrade
The Miami Marlins entered the 2020 season with a clear goal in mind: to make it to the playoffs after a 16-year drought. However, their lack of offensive production has been a major hurdle to achieving this goal. The Marlins currently rank towards the bottom of the league in most offensive categories.
Trade Offer for Starling Marte
To address this issue, the Marlins made a trade offer to the Arizona Diamondbacks for outfielder Starling Marte. Marte is a talented offensive player who has consistently put up good numbers throughout his career. He is known for his power at the plate, as well as his speed on the basepaths.
Caleb Smith, Humberto Mejía, and a Player to be Named Later
In exchange for Marte, the Marlins offered left-hander Caleb Smith, righty Humberto Mejía, and a player to be named later. Smith had been a key member of the Marlins’ bullpen in the past, but has struggled this year. Mejía is a promising prospect who has shown signs of potential at the Major League level.
Upgrade in the Outfield
The addition of Starling Marte will be a significant upgrade for the Marlins’ outfield. Marte will likely slot into the starting lineup immediately, and should provide a much-needed spark to the team’s offense. His presence will also strengthen the team’s defense, as he is an excellent outfielder.
Impact on Playoff Aspirations
With the addition of Marte, the Marlins are clearly showing that they are serious about making a run for the playoffs this year. Marte’s offensive production and ability to play strong defense will give the team a much-needed boost, and could be the key to their success.
If the Marlins can continue to improve their play, they have a real chance of making the postseason for the first time since 2003.
Who Did the Marlins Trade for Starling Marte?
The Miami Marlins traded Starling Marte. They received left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo in return. Marte had been with the Marlins for two seasons. Marte spent one season with the Arizona Diamondbacks prior to joining the Marlins.
Marte spent nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Marte is a 32-year-old player. Luzardo is a left-handed pitcher. Luzardo is expected to strengthen the Marlins’ pitching staff. Marte contributed significantly to the Marlins’ success during his time with the team.
This trade was likely part of the Marlins’ effort to strengthen their roster for future seasons.
To Recap
The acquisition of Jonathan Villar by the Miami Marlins adds an experienced infielder to their roster. While losing JT Riddle and Tayron Guerrero, two players who have been with the team for a while, it is clear that the Marlins are looking to make changes and improve their lineup.
Only time will tell how this trade will impact the Marlins moving forward.
