MIAMI (AP) — Miami Marlins general manager Michael Hill was traveling Thursday to participate in a series of marathons when he swung the team’s latest trade, sending center fielder Christian Yelich to the Milwaukee Brewers for four prospects.
And so the Marlins’ dismantling marathon continues.
Yelich became the fourth starter traded by the Marlins as they reduce payroll and rebuild their weak farm system under new CEO Derek Jeter. The Marlins earlier dealt away major league home run champion Giancarlo Stanton, stolen base champ Dee Gordon and All-Star left fielder Marcell Ozuna.
“I’m boarding a plane for South Africa,” Hill said. “The job goes with you wherever you are. When the opportunity presents itself to make our organization better, you do what you need to do.”
Miami acquired highly regarded outfielder Lewis Brinson, infielder Isan Diaz, outfielder Monte Harrison and right-handed pitcher Jordan Yamamoto. Brinson, Diaz and Harrison were rated among the Brewers’ top 10 prospects.
Yelich batted .282 with 18 homers and 81 RBIs last year, and he is a career .290 hitter. In the wake of Miami’s earlier deals this offseason, he said he preferred to play elsewhere rather than be part of a rebuilding effort.
His preference wasn’t an impetus in the deal, Hill said.
Yelich said the emotions of the Marlins’ fire sale have been crazy and exhausting.
“There was a lot of stuff this offseason that was out of the norm,” he said. “For me it’s almost more of a relief that it’s over, and get back to playing baseball and doing what I love to do. … I’m just excited for the fresh start.”
Yelich will make $7 million this season in the third year of a $49.57 million, seven-year deal.
“We’re getting a player who is just now in the prime of his career, and we’re getting a player who can be a Milwaukee Brewer for the next five years,” Brewers general manager David Stearns said. “We view him as one of the bright young players in baseball.”
The outfielder’s market value was high because of his contract, and the haul of prospects may be the best yet for the Marlins.
“We’ve added three impactful position players and a middle-of-the-rotation starter,” Hill said.
“I’m coming home!” he tweeted.
Brinson will compete for a roster spot this spring, while the other three prospects likely will begin this season at Double-A, Hill said.
Miami hasn’t had a winning season since 2009 and went 77-85 last year. Season-ticket holders have complained about the direction of the franchise under Jeter, but he has said payroll and a stronger farm system are the only path to sustained success.
The Marlins might not be done dealing this winter. Catcher J.T. Realmuto, one of their few remaining established players, has requested a trade.
Photo credit – David Zalubowski / Associated Press / Denver, CO