Marlins get Norby, Stowers from O's for Rogers

ST. PETERSBURG -- On Tuesday afternoon, the Marlins dealt left-hander Trevor Rogers to the Orioles for a pair of Major League-ready players being blocked in Baltimore: Connor Norby (the O's No. 5-ranked prospect) and outfielder Kyle Stowers.

According to MLB Pipeline's scouting report, the 24-year-old Norby spent 2023 banging on the big league door at Triple-A Norfolk, where he spent the entire year, and slashed .290/.359/.483 with 40 doubles, 21 homers and 10 steals. He finished tied for fourth in all the Minors in both hits and doubles.

TRADE DETAILS
Marlins receive: IF Connor Norby (O's No. 5 prospect) and OF Kyle Stowers
Orioles receive: LHP Trevor Rogers

A right-handed hitter with a simple, compact swing, Norby is quick to the ball and makes consistent loud contact. He punishes fastballs and is adept enough at recognizing spin to more than hold his own against breaking stuff, which he slugged .459 against last year (Triple-A average slugging against non-fastballs: .394). His ability to leave the yard to all fields enabled Norby to lead Baltimore’s farm system in combined homers over the past two seasons.

Stowers, 26, has slashed .229/.274/.369 in 67 big league games from 2022-24 but .306/.297/.500 in 37 plate appearances this season. Stowers can play all three outfield positions and won't be arbitration-eligible until '27.

Rogers was selected 13th overall by the Marlins in the 2017 MLB Draft as a prep pitcher out of New Mexico. After debuting during the COVID-impacted season, he finished as the runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year in '21. After a down year in ’22 (5.47 ERA) that involved a left lat strain, Rogers was limited to four starts in '23 due to a left biceps strain and a right lat strain.

Rogers came back a different pitcher in 2024 with diminished velocity but better pitchability. Despite a 4.53 ERA in 21 starts, he has posted a 3.42 ERA over his past 13 starts.

The 26-year-old is making $1.53 million in his first year of arbitration-eligibility with two more seasons under club control.

Miami also dealt first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell to Arizona for a player to be named or cash.

Bell, who was acquired at last year's Trade Deadline and was an instrumental part of the Marlins' 2023 postseason berth, was set to become a free agent after the season. The 31-year-old Bell struggled in the first half before heating up following the All-Star break, homering five times in his past seven games.

This could clear up first base for either Jake Burger or a newly acquired prospect like Deyvison De Los Santos.