Miami Marlins: Bryan De La Cruz is the Clear Deadline Winner

The Miami Marlins made multiple trades throughout the course of the 2021 season, many of which came almost directly at the July 30th deadline. When looking for which individual trade it appears that the Marlins “won” early-on, one sticks out far above the rest.

That would be the deal that the Marlins and Astros made centered around sending closer Yimi Garcia to Houston. In return, Miami received right-handed pitcher Austin Pruitt, as well as outfielder Bryan De La Cruz.

While Pruitt has impressed during his limited sample size, the right-hander has primarily split time between the big leagues and Triple-A. When looking at the most impressive so-far between the two, the answer is by-far De La Cruz.

Bryan De La Cruz has been outstanding with the Miami Marlins

When comparing the two centerpieces of the deal (Garcia and De La Cruz), you could certainly make a case that the Marlins were on the winning side of the deal.

After acting as Miami’s closer for a majority of the season, Garcia joined the Astros in a set-up role since being acquired at the deadline. Making 13 appearances so far, Garcia has posted a 3.27 ERA across 11 innings pitched.

While those numbers are impressive, De La Cruz you could certainly argue has been even better with the Marlins since the trade. Making his MLB debut with Miami instantly, the 24-year-old outfielder has since slashed .330/.375/.437 with two home runs and 10 RBI’s as one of the Marlins everyday outfielders spending time in left, right, and center.

The Marlins current No. 26 prospect, you could certainly say that De La Cruz has been the best with the Marlins so far compared to other deadline acquisitions listed below:

• Jesus Luzardo: 3-3, 7.15 ERA, 1.676 WHIP, 20 BB, 31 K
• Alex Jackson: .145/.234/.290, 3 HR, 8 RBI

It certainly appears at the moment that the Marlins won not only the Garcia trade by landing De La Cruz, but also this appears to be the biggest winner from all of the Marlins 2021 trades.