The Oakland Athletics have traded pitcher A.J. Puk to the Miami Marlins for outfielder JJ Bleday.
Both players in 2020 were considered among the top prospects for each franchise. Puk was the sixth pick taken in the 2016 draft out of the University of Florida. He has struggled with injuries and inconsistency with the Athletics.
2022 was the best season in Puk’s career. He appeared in 62 games with an ERA of 3.12, struck out 76 while walking 23, saved four games, and threw 66.1 innings. Prior to the trade being made, the A’s were reportedly going to attempt to have him go back to being starter. It is likely the Marlins will use him primarily out of the bullpen.
Puk will get reunited with former top Oakland prospect, Jesus Luzardo.
As for Bleday, he was drafted fourth overall in 2019 by the Marlins and over the past three seasons he has been ranked among the top 100 prospects by MLB.com.
He has been fast tracked through Miami’s farm system, as in 2021 he was in Double-A, 2022 he saw time at the Triple-A and Major League levels. In 85 games for Jacksonville he hit 20 home runs and drove in 52, he hit .229 though yet did walk 60 times and finished with an on-base percentage of .367.
In 65 games with the Marlins, he struggled a bit. He hit .167 with five home runs and 16 RBI in 204 at-bats. He can play all three outfield positions as well. Yet likely starts out the season with the A’s Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas Aviators.