MIAMI – The Miami Marlins today announced that the team has acquired infielder Emmanuel Rivera from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for cash considerations. In a corresponding move, infielder Jacob Amaya has been designated for assignment.
Rivera, 27, slashed .261/.314/.358 with 13 doubles, four home runs, and 29 RBI in 86 games with Arizona last season, including a .382 AVG (34×89) with nine doubles, one homer, and 14 RBI through his first 22 starts. He also ranked fifth in Major League Baseball among third basemen with a .295 AVG (18×61) with runners in scoring position last year (min. 85 games). Rivera played in 13 games during his first Postseason in 2023, batting .400 (2×5) with the Diamondbacks, with one double, two RBI, and two runs scored in five World Series games.
The three-year Major League veteran owns a .972 career fielding percentage (12 E/1394.0 innings) in 179 games (160 starts) at third base and 18 games (nine starts) at first base. Rivera ranked eighth among National League third basemen last season with two defensive runs saved (minimum 450.0 innings). Per FanGraphs, Rivera’s 7.2 defensive rating since 2021 ranks fifth highest among National League third basemen (min. 700 innings).
The Mayagüez, Puerto Rico native has played eight seasons in the Puerto Rico Winter League since 2016, appearing in five-consecutive Caribbean Series (2019-24) and earning All-Tournament honors in 2023. A member of Team Puerto Rico at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Rivera batted .278 (5×18) with one triple and five RBI in five games while helping lead his country to the quarterfinals at loanDepot park.
Selected by Kansas City in the 19th round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Rivera has slashed .247/.304/.380 with 33 doubles, three triples, 17 home runs, and 74 RBI in 217 games with the Royals (2021-22) and Diamondbacks (2022-2023).
Amaya, 25, is batting .182 (2×11) with 2 RBI in three games with Triple-A Jacksonville this season. He made his Major League debut with Miami last season on June 18 at Washington. Amaya hit .252 (122×484) in 128 games with Triple-A Jacksonville last year after being acquired by Miami from Los Angeles-NL on Jan. 12, 2023.
The Marlins continue their 2024 regular season tonight, facing the Los Angeles Angels at 6:40 p.m. ET at loanDepot park. Fans can secure their seats now to catch Marlins Baseball this season at Marlins.com/Tickets.
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