Miami Marlins: Grading the Jake Burger trade with the Texas Rangers

Negative #1: The Limited Ceiling

Now for the negative side of the prospect return. None of the three players the Marlins received currently ranks inside Miami's top 15 prospects (according to MLB.com). Benix is once betting that someone will emerge as a surprise breakout.

Also, Miami needs a shortstop, now and into the future. While Acosta and Vargas could be fitting for this role at first glance, both have notable defensive limitations. Unfortunately for the Fish, both are expected to fit better at second than short. This only creates a further logjam.

Negative #2: Trading a Controllable Player

Perhaps most frustrating is the fact that Burger was young and cost-controlled for the next four seasons. The slugging infielder was owed an estimated $800,000 in 2025 before entering arbitration until 2028.

At just 28 years old, it is unclear why the Marlins felt pressure to trade a budget-friendly player who was one of their most fun and recognizable major league talents. Burger's upper-tier power made him a fan favorite the moment he arrived in Miami.

The slugger mashed nine homers in just 53 games upon being traded to the Marlins in 2023. Last season, he followed up with 29 home runs, including a torrid power stretch near the end of the season.

The idea of trading major league talent for minor league capital makes sense for the fully rebuilding Marlins. However, once again, we are left crossing our fingers and trusting that Bendix can develop lower-ranked prospects into pillars of Miami's future.

Miami Marlins Trade Grade: C-