Marlins DFA veteran pitcher after just six starts

Miami Marlins pitcher Chris Paddack. Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Marlins DFA veteran pitcher after just six starts

By Andrew Wright | Last updated May 5, 2026 11:22 AM ET

The downward spiral of the career of veteran right-hander Chris Paddack continued early Tuesday morning.

According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, Paddack has been designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins after just six starts this season. Paddack signed a one-year contract worth $4 million with Miami in the offseason.

The DFA of Paddack is no surprise as his season is off to a horrendous start. Paddack allowed six hits and seven runs in just 2 2/3 innings in his most recent start on Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

After exiting that game, his season ERA ballooned up to 7.63 through 30 2/3 innings. The writing was on the wall for a once-promising young pitcher when he made his debut in 2019. Since posting a 3.33 ERA in his rookie season, Paddack has failed to get his ERA back under 4.00 in each of the last six seasons.

The Marlins have designated RHP Chris Paddack for assignment.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 5, 2026

Miami has made several big moves in recent days

The DFA of Paddack is not the only big roster move the Marlins have made since the start of the week. Before Monday's game against the Phillies, the team promoted top catching prospect Joe Mack to make his MLB debut.

In a surprise corresponding move, the team optioned catcher Agustin Ramirez to Triple-A. As a rookie last season, Ramirez slugged 21 home runs and posted a .413 slugging percentage, good enough to earn himself a sixth-place finish in National League Rookie of the Year voting.

At 16-19 and with no real star power in the starting rotation or lineup, Miami appears to be in another down season that could result in several players being moved at the trade deadline.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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