Why Marlins should claim Garrett Cooper

[Ely Sussman]

Big Fish Small Pod for Wednesday, April 24

Ely Sussman makes the case for Garrett Cooper and the Miami Marlins to reunite after the Chicago Cubs designated Cooper for assignment on Tuesday.

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The Marlins shipped Cooper to the San Diego Padres at the 2023 trade deadline. In 53 combined games with the Padres and Cubs, he slashed .247/.328/.409 with five home runs and performed at replacement level overall.

Cooper's short-term fit with the Fish would be as a Jake Burger fill-in while Burger rehabs from an intercostal strain. With Christian Bethancourt returning from the injured list on Wednesday, the Marlins could designate third-string catcher Jhonny Pereda for assignment (counting on him to clear waivers and remain in the organization) as a corresponding move to accompany the waiver claim. Otto López could be optioned to Triple-A to create an active roster spot for Coop.

Barring setbacks, Burger is expected back in the bigs at some point in May. It would be redundant to have Burger, Cooper, Josh Bell and Avisaíl García crammed onto the same roster, but the Marlins can cross that bridge when they get there. In the meantime, why not do something cheap and easy to boost their competitive chances?

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