Diamondbacks Trade Emmanuel Rivera to Marlins

The former D-backs third baseman is heading to Miami.

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Emmanuel Rivera (15) celebrates after hitting an RBI single / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY

The D-backs are trading right-handed hitting third baseman Emmanuel Rivera to the Miami Marlins, in exchange for cash considerations. Rivera had struggled to produce consistently with Arizona, and will get another chance with the Marlins.

Rivera, 27, began his major league career with the Royals, before coming over to the D-backs in a trade for right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver at the 2022 trade deadline. Rivera hit quite well in his first month with Arizona, slashing .264/.376/.556 in August of 2022, but cooled off quickly, ending his season with a mere .233/.292/.409 slash.

With the third base position becoming a revolving door in Arizona, Rivera served in a platoon role, and although he hit for a decent .261 average, he only posted a sub-par .672 OPS. He only appeared in 86 games for Arizona, and was utilized as a third baseman, occasional first baseman and DH. Although Rivera is an overall plus defensive glove, much of his defensive work in the 2023 postseason was taken by veteran Evan Longoria, and the off-season addition of third-baseman and slugger Eugenio Suárez diminished Rivera's chances at getting significant playing time in 2024.

The right-handed infielder looked quite rough over the course of Spring Training, as he slashed only .167/.268/.229 in the Cactus League. He recorded two extra-base hits and nine strikeouts over 48 at-bats. As a result of Rivera's poor numbers and the rise of young shortstop prospect Blaze Alexander, Rivera was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks prior to Opening Day, in favor of Alexander's MLB debut.

Notably, Rivera is out of minor league options, despite being only 27, so the D-backs were forced to either put him on the roster or DFA him. With some new faces in the off-season, some solid Spring performances and a new potential stud in Alexander, Arizona chose to cut bait with Rivera and allow him to create an opportunity for himself elsewhere.

Rivera will join the Marlins' 40-man roster, as they designated shortstop Jacob Amaya for assignment in a corresponding move. Rivera hasn't panned out much in major league play, but is a consistent Triple-A producer, and Miami will take a chance on the potential upside--likely defensively--that Rivera could bring to their infield.