Rays trade Bruján, Faucher to Marlins in multi-player deal

The Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins hooked up on a multi-player trade ahead of Friday's non-tender deadline.

The Rays dealt infielder/outfielder Vidal Bruján and right-hander Calvin Faucher to Miami in exchange for infield prospect Erick Lara, pitching prospect Andrew Lindsey, and a player to be named later, both teams announced.

It's the first trade swung by new Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix, who was formerly the Rays' general manager. Miami hired Bendix away from its in-state rival last month.

Bruján, 25, was once a top prospect in the Rays' system but has failed to make an impact at the big-league level. The switch-hitting Dominican is a .157/.218/.221 hitter with three homers and 24 RBIs in 99 MLB games over the last three seasons. He posted a .438 OPS in 84 plate appearances with the Rays this year but hit .272/.362/.477 with 10 homers, 32 RBIs, and 19 steals in 59 games with Triple-A Durham.

Bruján offers the Marlins potential defensive flexibility off the bench. A natural second baseman, he's appeared at six different positions in the majors, splitting time primarily between the keystone and right field. He doesn't have any minor-league options remaining but won't reach arbitration until 2026.

Faucher was originally acquired by Tampa Bay alongside Nelson Cruz in a multi-player deal before the 2022 trade deadline. The 28-year-old made his debut later that year and owns a lifetime 6.32 ERA, 4.98 FIP, and 1.68 WHIP in 39 big-league appearances (four starts). He only pitched in 17 games this season due to injuries.

The Rays had designated Faucher for assignment last week. He has one minor-league option remaining.

Lindsey, who turned 24 this past Wednesday, was ranked as the Marlins' No. 16 prospect by MLB.com prior to the trade. The right-hander, who pitched in the NCAA at Tennessee, made two starts for the Marlins' Rookie-level affiliate this summer after being chosen in the fifth round of this year's draft.

Lara is a 17-year-old infield prospect who's yet to play professionally in the United States. The native of Bani, Dominican Republic hit .305/.416/.445 with two homers, 32 RBIs, and five stolen bases in 34 games for Miami's Dominican Summer League affiliate this year.