Esteury Ruiz: A Case for Marlins’ Most Underrated Player

There are some players who don't get enough recognition for all the work they do. The Miami Marlins made a clutch pickup to bring in a player like Esteury Ruiz.

It's not always about putting the ball in seats. It's also about execution, hustling around the bases, and playing intelligent baseball.

Marlins’ Unsung Hero

Miami Marlins right fielder Esteury Ruiz runs toward first base | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One of the most unexpected events we witnessed on Tuesday night was Ruiz taking an elite pitcher, Paul Skenes, deep in the game. The 27-year-old may not be an everyday starter, but he was one of the key starters of the game. Aside from the home run, he scored a run from Xavier Edwards' RBI single.

Is he one of the most underrated players on the Marlins' roster?

Let's bring up this interesting fact that will surprise most, if not all, people. Pete Crow-Armstrong from the Chicago Cubs is one of the top NL MVP candidates. Armstrong and Ruiz share this in common. Both players are the only ones this season to have over 25 stolen bases with a wRC+ of at least 140.

Only two players in MLB have 25+ SB with a wRC+ of at least 140 (min. 150 PA):

Pete Crow-Armstrong
Esteury Ruiz 🐠

What an underrated pickup for the Marlins! pic.twitter.com/ZB2MUrAv8x
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) August 11, 2026

Ruiz might end up having a season of 35 stolen bases. He's only eight more away from reaching that goal. It would be more impressive and unexpected if he reaches 40 stolen bases. It's improbable to reach 40 stolen bases since we are not far from the end of the regular season. It all depends on how much playing time he will get.

With Kyle Stowers being sidelined due to hamstring problems, this opens the door for more opportunities for Ruiz to get on base and steal more. His career high is 67, which he did as a member of the Athletics in 2023. He played 132 games that season.

As for the 2026 season, Ruiz has been active in 76 games. Ruiz does have a career high in home runs (6) and batting average (.266). He has shown very good patience at the plate. His 18 walks are the second-highest of his career. He is three more walks away from reaching his career high.

Which was his better season: 2023 or 2026? Ruiz may have had more playing time and a bigger role in 2023, but this season is arguably his best. He's on a better team and has improved in his at-bats. His defense is not amazing by any stretch. What makes him special on any team he's part of is his ability to put the ball in play and his speed.

Ruiz puts pressure on pitchers every time he's on base. It's the small things in the game of baseball that make the difference. Miami's win over the Pirates demonstrates that great pitching and smart adjustments on offense can help you win games.

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