Grading the Miami Marlins' 2025 trade deadline

The Miami Marlins had a surprising but refreshingly quiet MLB trade deadline. After president Peter Bendix traded nearly everyone in sight during last year's deadline, South Beach was much calmer this time around. 

Miami trades Jesus Sanchez to the Houston Astros

The Fish's lone deal came when they shipped power-hitting outfielder Jesus Sanchez to Houston in exchange for pitcher Ryan Gusto, and minor league infielder Chase Jaworsky (Houston’s No. 13 prospect) and outfielder Esmil Valencia.

The headliner, Jaworsky, adds another promising name to Miami’s growing trove of minor league talent. The 21-year-old is hitting .242/.353/.359 with a .712 OPS at the High-A level. He has a solid hit tool but lacks major league power.

Valencia, a 19-year-old outfielder, represents more of a wild card. He also lacks pop (just five home runs in 83 Single-A games), but he boasts elite speed, with an eye-popping 50 stolen bases over that same span.

Meanwhile, Gusto, a rookie who made his MLB debut this season, holds a 4.92 ERA across 86 innings with the Astros. He appears to be a serviceable arm who can provide immediate major league depth to the Marlins’ roster.

Marlins’ grade: B+

Miami elects to retain its stars

The real surprise for the Marlins came not in who they traded, but in who they kept. The Fish were once expected to part ways with assets like former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, breakout starter Edward Cabrera, reliever Anthony Bender and others.

Miami ended June 15 games below .500. However, a recent hot stretch has brought the small-market club to an impressive 52-55 record. They now sit nine games behind the NL East-leading Mets and just seven games out of the final NL wild-card spot.

By keeping the roster intact, Bendix gains the opportunity to truly evaluate what his young core is capable of as they aim for their first postseason appearance since 2023.

The Marlins' patient and intentional approach earns them strong marks for this year’s deadline.

Overall deadline grade: A-