Miami Marlins’ President Peter Bendix managed to capitalize on Tanner Scott’s dominance by trading him and pitcher Bryan Hoeing, to San Diego for four prospects. Miami's haul included LHP Robby Snelling, RHP Adam Mazur, INF Graham Pauley, and INF Jay Beshears. After landing Dillon Head from the Padres’ farm system in the Luis Arraez trade, Miami further pillaged San Diego’s prospect pool in a deadline mini-blockbuster.
Snelling is the clear headliner in this trade. The left-handed starter is one of the highest upside southpaws anywhere in the minor leagues and trails only Noble Meyer on Miami’s list of top prospects.
While the uber-athletic starter lacks a blistering fastball (he typically sits between 92-95 mph), he features a noticeably deceptive arsenal. Snelling has posted an inflated 6.01 ERA over 73 innings in Double-A this season, his potential was on full display in 2023 when he recorded a dazzling 1.28 ERA over 103 innings in -2023. Still just 20 years old, the top prospect has plenty of time and pedigree to recapture his top form in 2024 and beyond.
Mazur’s numbers in a brief major league stint were underwhelming. However, the righty's plus fastball and solid control give him a legitimate strikeout upside. The former #5 overall prospect in San Diego’s system has plenty of upside as a potential future rotation piece.
Pauley, the best-hitting prospect in the deal, was the #6 ranked asset in the Padres’ farm system. He profiles as a super-utility player with a fantastic glove. Pauley’s current batting average sits at .228 in Triple-A this season. However, the fact that his walk rate is nearly as high as his strikeout total, adds a much needed boost to his batting profile.
Lastly, Beshears represents a lottery ticket in the deal. He has some encouraging hits tools. However, the 22-year-old still needs further development as a hitter to truly move the needle.
While none of these indivudual pieces have clear superstar potential, the combined package is impressive, especially consiering the fact that Scott is in the final year of his contract. Converting their All-Star rental into Snelling and three other legitimate prospects is nothing short of a steal.
Miami’s Trade Grade: A