Marlins trade Huascar Brazoban to New York Mets

[Kevin Barral]

A small intradivision trade between the Marlins and Mets got completed just before the deadline.

For the second straight year, the Miami Marlins and New York Mets made a deal with each other shortly before the trade deadline. However, the roles were reversed from 2023, as Huascar Brazoban is headed to Queens to help the Mets chase a postseason spot. Miami gets minor league infielder Wilfredo Lara in exchange.

Brazoban, 34, came into the Marlins organization as a minor league signing entering 2022 spring training, discovered by them after pitching effectively in independent ball and the Dominican Winter League. In his three years with the Marlins, Brazoban posted a 3.56 ERA, 3.62 FIP, 10.0 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9 through 121 ⅓ innings pitched.

The hard-throwing right-hander was projected for an Opening Day roster spot this season, but due to visa issues, he was behind schedule leaving the Dominican Republic. He finally made his 2024 season debut on June 1 against the Texas Rangers.

Like many Marlins relievers, Brazoban was performing well leading up to the deadline. He has not allowed an earned run since June 26. Every pitch in Brazoban's arsenal—his cutter, changeup, sinker and four-seamer—has a league average run value or better this season, per Baseball Savant. His main weakness has been inherited baserunners, allowing nine of 13 to score against him.

Wilfredo Lara is a 20-year-old utility man who has spent this whole season at the High-A level, slashing .244/.349/.343/.692 with four home runs, 29 RBIs and a 102 wRC+. Most of the production for the right-handed hitter has come against lefties.

More on Lara from Eric Longenhagen of FanGraphs, who ranked him 29th on his Mets top prospects list:

Lara’s carrying attribute is his defensive versatility. He can play basically any position, though as of publication, the Mets haven’t given him 2024 run in center field like they did last year. Lara also has uncommonly strong hands for a hitter his age and can create modest but meaningful power in a short mechanical distance.

Lara will likely report to High-A Beloit.

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[THOMAS JOSEPH]

If nothing else, I'm happy for Braz to join a team with (surprising) playoff potential. Much rather see the Mets win than the Braves or Phillies as New York turns around their rough 2024 first half and the terrible 2023 season.