Just days before pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Jupiter, the Miami Marlins finalized a deal with right-handed pitcher Chris Paddack. The agreement is a one-year contract valued at $4 million, including $500,000 in incentives, confirming reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post and verification from Fish On First. This move marks a significant addition to the Marlins’ pitching staff ahead of the 2025 MLB season.
Paddack’s Journey and Performance History
Chris Paddack, now 30 years old, is a familiar figure to Marlins fans, having been selected by Miami in the eighth round of the 2015 MLB Draft before being traded to the San Diego Padres in 2016 for Fernando Rodney. Over his seven-year major league career, his rookie campaign in 2019 remains his standout season. That year, he posted a 3.33 ERA with a 3.95 FIP across 140 ⅔ innings, striking out nearly 10 batters per nine innings while maintaining a low walk rate.
Following that peak, Paddack has struggled to maintain similar effectiveness. In 2022, he was traded from the Padres to the Minnesota Twins, alongside Emilio Pagán, in exchange for Taylor Rogers, Brent Rooker, and cash considerations. Injuries, including his second Tommy John surgery, have hindered his development. Last season, Paddack pitched a career-high 158 innings but posted a 5.35 ERA and saw his strikeout rate decline while his walk rate increased. Midseason, he was traded again to the Detroit Tigers with reliever Randy Dobnak for catcher Enrique Jimenez, though his results there remained inconsistent, posting a 6.32 ERA over 47 innings.
Current Pitching Profile and Strengths
Paddack’s four-seam fastball has become his most effective pitch, averaging 93.7 mph and generating an 18.6% whiff rate with a positive run value projected for the upcoming season. Conversely, his signature changeup was notably problematic last year, allowing 10 of the 31 home runs he surrendered. Despite this, Paddack induces plenty of swings outside the strike zone, ranking in the 85th percentile, and maintains a low walk rate, falling into the 89th percentile.
His pitching mechanics, including a long extension that places in the 92nd percentile, enable him to challenge hitters effectively despite average velocity. Additionally, at 30 years old, he remains younger than many free-agent pitchers with similar major league experience.
Outlook for Paddack’s Role with the Marlins
The Marlins’ signing of Paddack resembles their acquisition of Cal Quantrill for the 2025 season, both in timing and contract value. The expectation is that Paddack will compete for a spot in Miami’s Opening Day rotation, likely filling a back-end starter role. His future on the team will heavily depend on his ability to perform consistently and the progress of top pitching prospects Robby Snelling and Thomas White.
