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Marlins Trade Infielder Norby to the National League West
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- Marlins Trade Infielder Norby to the National League West
Marlins Trade Infielder Norby to the National League West
(Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)
MIAMI, Fla. – Shortly ahead of the 6:00 p.m. trade deadline, the Miami Marlins reportedly acquired right-handed reliever Victor Vodnik from the Colorado Rockies , according to ESPN insider Jeff Passan .
In exchange for the 26-year-old is infielder Connor Norby. He's on pace to have a career-worst season in the majors. Norby is batting .205 with a .638 OPS, including 41 hits in 200 at-bats, 12 doubles, 16 runs batted in, and four home runs in 65 games. He last played for the Marlins on June 23 against the Texas Rangers.
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Shortly after, Norby was sent down to Jacksonville (AAA). In 23 games with the Jumbo Shrimp, he's batting .265 with a .847 OPS, including 22 hits in 83 at-bats, six doubles, 15 runs batted in, four home runs, and 4o total bases.
The three-year major leaguer has another season of pre-arbitration and is under team control through 2030. Norby has played in both first (43 games) and third base (13 games).
Right-handed prospect Aiden May was included in the deal.
Pitching was labeled a need for the Marlins, especially with lingering injuries. All-Star Max Meyer, Anthony Bender, and William Kempner are placed on the 15-day injured list. Meanwhile, Ronny Henriquez, Robert Snelling, and Adam Mazur are out for the season.
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This season, Vodnik has produced a 5.25 ERA and a 3-3 record in 36 innings, including four saves. He's struck out 26 batters in 163 faced. Vodnik relies on five pitches:
- Four-seamer (52 percent)
- Slider (25.8 percent)
- Changeup (16.6 percent)
- Cutter (2.9 percent)
- Sinker (2.7 percent)
The fourth-year major leaguer can play a pivotal role in the Marlins' bullpen. Vodnik provides another reliable right arm who can close out games if needed. He will be arbitration-eligible at the start of the 2027 free agency. The Marlins weren't looking to acquire any expiring contracts in potential trades.
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President Peter Bendix addresses a need as the team continues its playoff push. The Marlins are currently 1.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the final National League Wild Card spot. Vodnick could join the clubhouse in Atlanta this week, preparing for a three-game series against the Braves . Facing the current National League East leader will be a different challenge compared to the New York Mets this past weekend.
The Marlins kept most of the core intact following the 6:00 p.m. trade deadline. Manager Clayton McCullough and the team can keep the focus strictly on the field for the rest of the season – 69 games remaining on the regular-season schedule.
