Miami Marlins: Hyeseong Kim joining the Dodgers opens the door to add a top Prospect

International star Hyeseong Kim has agreed to a multi-year contract with the superstar-laden Los Angeles Dodgers. In a perfect world, the Miami Marlins would have been serious players for Kim's services. However, this signing opens the doors for the Fish to potentially take a flier on former top prospect Diego Cartaya, who was DFA'd in a corresponding move.

Who is Diego Cartaya?

Cartaya's fall from grace has been most unfortunate. The former international signing gem earned the honors of being Los Angeles' top-ranked prospect in both 2022 and 2023. Now, his career is in limbo before he ever made his MLB debut.

The former top prospect struggled after being promoted to the high minors, hitting just ".189 with a 29% strikeout rate over 93 Double-A games in 2023". While his production experienced ebbs and flows, something normal for young players, things appeared to hit rock bottom when he posted a .208 batting average and 27.4% strikeout rate in 49 games in the Pacific Coast League later that year. MLB Trade Rumors notes that he recorded the the 2nd-lowest batting average and 5th-lowest OBP among Pacific Coast League hitters with at least 200 plate appearances.

Why should the Marlins consider adding a player who couldn't make LA's MLB roster?

Despite his quick fall, Cartaya still has the potential to recapture his former skills. The 6'3" slugger's best traits were his power upside and his strong throwing arm.

While his poor contact skills have derailed a once-promising career, Cartaya fits Peter Bendix's target type to a tee. His high-power, low-contact profile is similar to current Marlins like Deyvison De Los Santos, Agustin Ramirez, Matt Mervis, and Kyle Stowers.

Miami clearly believes they can unlock the hit tools of this type of slugger. They could be the perfect club to help the former Dodgers star recapture his 20-25 home run potential.

Adding Cartaya would also give the Marlins another high-upside option catcher. Ramirez must stick at catcher to legitimize the Jazz Chisholm trade that brought him to South Beach. However, if the backstop does eventually transition to first base or DH, the club will once again be without an exciting option at catcher. Adding Caraya would give Miami another flier on ending their comically poor production at catcher.

The cost is low. The upside is high. And Miami has plenty of space on their rebuild roster. Adding Diego Cartaya would be a wise move for Bendix and the Marlins.