Miami Marlins Claim Infielder Off of Waivers from Arizona Diamondbacks
The Miami Marlins have taken steps to address their questionable infield defense by claiming third baseman Emmanuel Rivera off of waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The trade was finalized for cash considerations, and infielder Jacob Amaya was designated for assignment to create a 40-man roster spot for Rivera.
Rivera, 27, is a career .247 hitter across parts of three seasons with the Diamondbacks and, previously to that, the Kansas City Royals, having been traded to Arizona at the 2022 trade deadline for veteran pitcher Luke Weaver.
Rivera started 54 games at third base for Arizona last season as the Diamondbacks made a trip to the World Series, eventually losing to the Texas Rangers in five games. Rivera played in every game in the World Series, starting game four at third base and going 2-5 with two runs scored and two RBIs.
But out of minor league options, Rivera was designated for assignment when he didn't make the Opening Day roster as the primary backup to trade acquisition Eugenio Suarez at third base. With prospect Blaze Alexander taking the backup corner infield job, Rivera was made available.
The obvious plan for Miami here will be playing Rivera at third base when incumbent Jake Burger moves to first base for games where Josh Bell is moving to designated hitter. Defensive Runs Saved has Rivera at +9 in 1400 career innings in the majors, while Outs Above Average has him at +2 over the same timespan. Rivera's committed only twelve errors at third base, and can also contribute at first base, where he has almost 100 career innings at the position (including nine career starts, seven of which came last season).
Managing Editor for Blackerby Media, covering the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins Also: Senior Baseball Writer for Auburn Daily, member of both the National College Baseball Writers Association and Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (where he won the 2023 Prospects, Minors, & College Writer of the Year award)