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Miami Marlins: Isan Diaz the last man standing from Christian Yelich trade

By David Hill

Sep 7, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Isan Diaz (1) throws to first base and forces out New York Mets second baseman Javier Baez (not pictured) during the ninth inning of the game at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Isan Diaz (1) throws to first base and forces out New York Mets second baseman Javier Baez (not pictured) during the ninth inning of the game at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Marlins took a major gamble when they decided to blow up their roster for prospects. Their trade of Christian Yelich, in particular, was going to determine the fate of their franchise for years. Lewis Brinson, Isan Diaz, and Monte Harrison were all highly regarded prospects, but they needed to develop as expected.

As it turned out, that trade was a disaster. Harrison posted a 33 OPS+ in 62 mediocre plate appearances before being designated for assignment. Brinson had much more of a look, but posted a 55 OPS+ in 1056 plate appearances, was worth -3.4 bWAR, and was let go. Jordan Yamamoto, the fourth piece in that deal, had a 6.20 ERA and a 1.378 WHiP in his 90 innings with the Marlins before was sent to the Mets for Federico Polanco. At least the Marlins got something for him.

Miami Marlins return for Christian Yelich gets even worse

There is just one man left standing from that deal. Diaz is the last of those prospects with the organization, the only player that could manage to make this trade salvageable. However, the odds are stacked against that happening.

While Diaz is on the Marlins’ 40 man roster, he is not listed anywhere on their depth chart. Considering that he has played at second and third in the majors, and has considerable experience at short in the minors, Instead, the Marlins have Jon Berti and the recently acquired Joey Wendle ahead of him as utility infielders.

Diaz would seem to have more upside based on his top prospect status. However, he has not exactly lit the majors on fire. Just like everyone else that the Marlins received for Yelich, Diaz has struggled at the major league level, posting a 52 OPS+ with nine homers and 14 doubles in his 501 plate appearances. That lack of production, coupled with his defensive struggles, have been worth -2.6 bWAR thus far, bringing the Marlins’ total from that deal to an impressive -6.0 bWAR.

It is possible that Diaz can turn his career around. He will turn 26 years old this year and still has time to prove himself. But that time is starting to run out. If he continues to struggle at the major league level, that trade will be even more of a disaster.

Next. High praise for Eury Perez. dark

The Miami Marlins return for Christian Yelich has been a disaster. And now, Isan Diaz is the last player left from that trade in the organization.

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