Marlins land reliever Floro in deal with LA
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MIAMI -- The Marlins added another late-inning reliever on Friday afternoon, acquiring right-hander Dylan Floro from the Dodgers in exchange for lefty Alex Vesia and 2020 fifth-round Draft pick Kyle Hurt.
Floro, who cannot become a free agent until after the 2023 season, spent the past three years in Los Angeles, where he posted a 3.10 ERA, 3.09 FIP and 1.18 WHIP in 104 outings. According to Statcast, Floro was elite among Major Leaguers for exit velocity (84.6 mph; 95th percentile), hard-hit percentage (26.7; 95th), barrel percentage (2.7; 96th) and walk percentage (4.1; 94th) in 2020. His 1.48 BB/9 ranked seventh among National League relievers.
The 30-year-old fits the mold of what the Marlins have been seeking in relievers: strike throwers who offer different looks from their teammates. Last season, Floro went away from his four-seam fastball (4.0 percent from 20.6) and used his changeup as his third pitch (21.6 percent from 3.8). His top offerings are a sinker (42.9 percent) and slider (31.5).
Miami entered the offseason wanting to improve the relief corps, which posted a 5.50 ERA (third highest in the NL) in 2020. The Marlins signed righty Anthony Bass, who led the Blue Jays with seven saves last season, to a two-year deal, with an option for 2023. Southpaw Ross Detwiler inked a one-year contract. Miami also acquired sidearmer Adam Cimber from Cleveland and Zach Pop from Arizona in the Rule 5 Draft.
That group joins righty Yimi García and lefty Richard Bleier, both of whom pitched in key situations for the Marlins last season. Aside from Pop, all of the additions are veteran arms with postseason experience. Floro has appeared in five World Series games, including three this past October.
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Vesia, who made Miami's 2020 Opening Day roster, was the organization's No. 27 prospect at the time. He gave up a two-run homer in his MLB debut before landing on the injured list. Upon his return, he allowed eight runs (seven earned) over 3 2/3 innings spanning four outings. Vesia is best known for an impressive scoreless-innings streak accumulated across the Minors and Spring Training.