“I’m sure there are a lot of people out there with the Rays who won the bet that the first trade would be with the Rays,” Bendix joked.
Bruján, who turns 26 in February, was ranked No. 4 in Tampa Bay’s system in 2022 before moving down from prospect status. But he hasn’t yet figured it out at the MLB level and is out of minor league options. In three seasons, Bruján, the switch hitter, slashed .157/.218/.221 with seven doubles, three home runs and nine steals in 99 games.
As of Friday, Bruján is hitting .317/.418/.405 with five doubles, a triple, 12 RBIs and 12 steals in 22 games playing for Estrellas in the Dominican Winter League.
“In a lot of my experience, it often takes a year, two years, multiple times in the big leagues, before guys really get it,” Bendix said. “And (Bruján) has all the tools. He played in Triple-A, he’s having a good time in the Dominican Republic at the moment, he’s doing very well. He has everything in place to truly succeed, and it happens at different rates for everyone.
Added Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander: “A little pressure. It’s not the way we once thought it would go, but I think a fresh start, a fresh opportunity for Bru – given his abilities and talent – should be a good thing for him . I wish him the best.
According to MLB Pipeline reconnaissance report, Bruján often puts the bat to the ball and he is overall a better hitter from the left side. His best asset remains his plus-plus speed (rating 70). He can play above average defense on the court.
The Marlins have an opening at shortstop, which could be a potential landing spot for Bruján if he wins the job. He also saw action in right and center field, the latter of which will be played by Jazz Chisholm Jr. in 2023 to make room for All-Star Luis Arraez at second base. Chisholm appeared as shortstop.
“He’ll look over there (in short), he’ll look at every position,” Bendix said of Bruján. “I like players who can play multiple positions. We also had success with several different players last year. I know that’s something that (manager) Skip (Schumaker) values as well, and so that’s a big part of Vidal’s value.
Tampa Bay designated Faucher for assignment earlier in the week. The 28-year-old posted a 6.32 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in 39 outings (four starts) at the Major League level. In 2023, he relied on a cutter/sweeper/lead mix, the latter offering an average speed of 95 mph. Walks were a problem (4.2 BB/9), but he recorded a ground ball rate of 48.8 percent. Faucher provides another right-handed option to Miami’s left-handed bullpen.
“He’s got some really good stuff,” Bendix said. “Great breaking balls. He kind of bounced between the major leagues and Triple-A, and he showed flashes of being a very good big league reliever. (He) can cover multiple innings if necessary. He has played many different roles and is missing a lot of at-bats.
Lara, a 17-year-old third baseman, slashed .305/.416/.445 in 34 games en route to being named MVP of the Marlins’ Dominican Summer League organization. Right-hander Lindsey, 24, was selected in the fifth round of the MLB draft last July out of the University of Tennessee. He made two starts in the Florida Complex League to begin his professional career.
Stallings, the Marlins’ Opening Day backstop the past two seasons and ace Sandy Alcantara’s personal catcher, had one year of arbitration eligibility remaining. In 2023, he earned $3.35 million, splitting his time behind the dish with Nick Fortes, the only catcher remaining on the 40-man roster. Stallings, 33, slashed .210/.287/.290 with 26 doubles, seven homers and 54 RBIs in 202 games for Miami.
A non-roster invitee to last spring training, Hampson shuttled between the majors and minors in 2023, hitting .276/.349/.380 with 12 doubles, a triple and three homers in 98 games. The writing was on the wall for Hampson when Miami activated the 2024 club option for Jon Berti, who had one year left of arbitration and a similar skill set to Hampson.
MLB.com Rays reporter Adam Berry contributed to this story.
