In a move that’s sure to spark debate among baseball fans, the Miami Marlins have brought back a familiar face—but is it a winning strategy? The Marlins announced on Thursday that they’ve signed veteran right-handed pitcher Chris Paddack to a one-year contract, marking his return to the organization that drafted him in the eighth round back in 2015. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Paddack’s journey has been nothing short of intriguing, his recent performance raises questions about what he’ll bring to the table this season.
The financial details of the deal weren’t officially disclosed, but according to MLB Network, the contract is valued at $4 million, with an additional $500,000 in performance-based incentives. At 30 years old, Paddack is no stranger to the Marlins, though his path took an unexpected turn when he was traded to the San Diego Padres just a year after being drafted. Now, he’s back in Miami, but his 2025 season stats might leave some fans scratching their heads.
Last year, Paddack split his time between the Detroit Tigers (12 games) and the Minnesota Twins (21 appearances), posting a 5-12 record with one save and a 5.35 ERA across a career-high 158 innings. While he logged 33 games (28 starts), he also led the American League with 94 earned runs allowed—a stat that’s hard to ignore. And this is the part most people miss: despite his struggles, Paddack’s experience and potential as a starter could still make him a valuable asset if he can bounce back.
Over his career, Paddack holds a 32-36 record with one save and a 4.64 ERA in 118 games (110 starts) with the Padres (2019-2021), Twins (2022-2025), and Tigers. His journey has been a rollercoaster, but the Marlins seem to be betting on his ability to turn things around. Is this a smart gamble, or are the Marlins setting themselves up for disappointment? Let’s dive deeper.
To make room for Paddack on the 40-man roster, the Marlins placed 25-year-old right-handed reliever Ronny Henriquez on the 60-day injured list. Henriquez, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow after the 2025 season, is expected to miss the entire 2026 campaign. It’s a tough break for Henriquez, who had a standout 2025 season with a 7-1 record, seven saves, a 2.22 ERA, and 98 strikeouts in 73 innings across 69 relief appearances.
Here’s the burning question: Can Paddack’s experience outweigh his recent struggles, or will his return to Miami fall flat? The Marlins are clearly banking on his potential to stabilize their rotation, but only time will tell if this move pays off. What do you think? Is Paddack’s signing a stroke of genius or a risky play? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
