Marlins trade former SF Giants southpaw to Twins for INF Nick Gordon
The Miami Marlins acquired infielder Nick Gordon in a trade with the Minnesota Twins for former SF Giants left-handed reliever Steven Okert. Gordon, a former consensus top-100 prospect, is looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2023 season. Okert, on the other hand, has been a consistent middle reliever with the Marlins over the past three seasons.
Miami Marlins relief pitcher Steven Okert pitches against the Rockies. (2023)
Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Okert was drafted by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma. A left-handed pitcher with a high-octane pitch mix featuring a high-90s fastball and a breaking ball that flashed plus potential, he had the makings of a potential future closer. Okert posted sub-3.00 ERAs in his first three minor-league seasons before he reached Triple-A.
Okert's numbers took a bit of a step back in the Pacific Coast League, but he still received plenty of opportunities in the majors. From 2016-2018, Okert posted a 4.28 ERA (4.07 FIP) with 44 strikeouts and 15 walks in 48.1 innings pitched with the Giants.
Despite those relatively solid numbers, Okert was designated for assignment in 2018 and cleared waivers. Unclaimed and outrighted, Okert remained with the Giants through the 2019 season. That year, Okert posted excellent strikeout and walk rates at Triple-A, but also allowed home runs at the highest rate of his career, fueling a 5.31 ERA.
Scared off by his worst minor-league season (by ERA), teams let Okert remained unsigned through the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He eventually inked a minor-league contract with the Marlins and quickly pitches his way into their bullpen, where he has remained since debuting with the team in 2021. While he has never been Miami's closer or top setup arm, he has posted a 3.51 ERA (4.20 FIP) with 176 strikeouts and 65 walks in 146 innings pitched (158 appearances) over the last three
seasons. Now 32, Okert will look to fill a similar role in Minnesota.
Gordon was the fifth-overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft out of Olympia High School in Orlando, Florida by the Twins. A left-handed hitter with some exceptional tools, he was quickly ranked among the top prospects in the minor leagues. Gordon never hit for power and struggled to maintain above-average offensive production when he first reached the upper minors, but he eventually made his big-league debut in 2021.
Over the past three seasons, Gordon has dealt with several injuries that have limited his ability to stay on the field. In 2022, his healthiest season, though, he hit .272/.316/.427 with 28 doubles, four triples, and nine home runs in 136 games while playing all over the field. He appeared in at least 17 games at center field, shortstop, second base, and left field. He now projects as a potential super utility player in Miami.
