Marlins Predicted to Trade for $12 Million All-Star, Batting Champ to Upgrade Lineup

The Miami Marlins are reportedly considering a deal to acquire Yandy Diaz from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to a report from Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly, the Miami Marlins are predicted to make a move to acquire Tampa Bay Rays All-Star Yandy Diaz in a trade. Diaz, who hit .300 with 25 home runs and 83 RBIs last season, would provide a major offensive boost to the Marlins' lineup and come at a relatively affordable $12 million salary.

Why it matters

The Marlins have been active in the offseason but have yet to make a splash move that significantly improves their roster. Acquiring Diaz, a proven All-Star hitter, could be the kind of move that helps the Marlins take the next step and compete in the NL East.

The details

Diaz has long been rumored to be available in trade talks, and the Marlins could be an ideal landing spot. The team currently has left-handed hitters Graham Pauley and Griffin Conine projected to play first base and designated hitter, respectively, so Diaz would provide an upgrade at those positions with his right-handed power bat.

  • Diaz is set to receive $12 million this year, with a club option for $13 million in 2027.

The players

Yandy Diaz

A Tampa Bay Rays All-Star who hit .300 with 25 home runs and 83 RBIs last season.

Graham Pauley

A left-handed hitter currently projected to play first base for the Miami Marlins.

Griffin Conine

A left-handed hitter currently projected to be the designated hitter for the Miami Marlins.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It feels like Yandy Díaz has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate for years, only for the Rays—a team more than willing to typically part with coveted players—to hold onto him. That may again prove to be the case here, but we can't help but notice how good of a fit that Díaz would be for Florida's other team if the Rays were willing to move him...But with left-handed hitters in Graham Pauley and Griffin Conine currently projected in at first base and DH, respectively, trading for Díaz would be another interesting solution.”

— Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Marlins will need to negotiate a trade with the Rays to acquire Yandy Diaz, and the two teams will need to agree on the return package.

The takeaway

Acquiring Yandy Diaz would be a significant upgrade for the Marlins' lineup, providing them with a proven All-Star hitter who could help the team take the next step and compete in the NL East. The move would also fit the Marlins' budget-conscious approach, as Diaz is set to make a relatively affordable $12 million this season.