Kim Ng and the Miami Marlins front office: A mid-term grade

Feb 16, 2023; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng walks between workout stations at the Marlins spring training facility. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2023; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng walks between workout stations at the Marlins spring training facility. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
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Kim Ng. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Kim Ng. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Overall grade

The Marlins have been such a surprise (and Arraez such a substantial Christmas present) that the assumption is Ng must have had a heck of a front office year to date. But her record, while good, is partially weighted down by the signing of Segura.

Here’s the first half report card on the Marlins’ front office. Note that grades for players departing the organization are based on the reverse of those players’ WAAs with their new teams.

Mode                    WAA                  Grade

Acquired              +1.7                      B

Traded                  -0.9                      C

Signed                  -4.4                      F

FA Lost                 -0.4                     C

Rookies                +3.2                     A

Overall                 +1.8                     B

Overall, Ng has made 30 personnel moves since the end of the 2022 season impacting the fortunes of the 2023 Marlins. The impact of those personnel moves splits evenly: 13 positive, 13 negative, four neutral.

The acquisition of Arraez, accompanied by the development of Eury Perez, are both obviously big pluses for Ng, although they are largely offset by the highly problematic signing of Segura. It does not help Ng that Arraez becomes arbitration-eligible this winter. What do you suppose a .400 hitter would be worth at the arbitration table these days?

Here’s a better question: Can Kim Ng afford to find out?