The Miami Marlins are designating former Twins right-handed starting pitcher Chris Paddack for assignment, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. Paddack, 30, signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Miami in the offseason. In seven appearances with the Marlins this year, Paddack posted an awful 7.63 ERA with an 18.4% strikeout rate, 6% walk rate and .304 batting average against across 30 2/3 innings.
Paddack's struggles aren't shocking. However, Miami's decision to cut him loose this early in the season is a bit surprising, considering he's being paid $4 million this year.
The Twins acquired Paddack and right-handed reliever Emilio Pagán from the San Diego Padres for left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers and outfielder Brent Rooker on April 7, 2022. It's safe to say that Paddack failed to live up to the Twins' expectations.
Paddack made just five starts in 2022 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. The Twins reinstated the righty from the injured list in Sept. 2023. He made two appearances out of the bullpen in 2023, then threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings across two outings against the Houston Astros in the American League Division Series.
Paddack was limited to just 17 starts in 2024 due to a forearm strain. He posted a 4.99 ERA across 88 1/3 innings.
Paddack had a solid start to the 2025 season but cooled down significantly. He had a 4.95 ERA in 111 innings last season before being traded to the Detroit Tigers along with righty Randy Dobnak for catching prospect Enrique Jimenez in late July. Paddack continued to struggle with Detroit, posting a 6.32 ERA over 47 innings. The Tigers demoted Paddack to a bullpen role near the end of the season, and he failed to make Detroit's postseason roster.
Could Twins consider reuniting with Paddack?
Probably not. If Minnesota does want to bring Paddack back, it'd be as a reliever. While he was an effective bullpen arm in 2023, he likely wouldn't be able to repeat that success in 2026. It's not like Paddack only has issues the second and third times through the order; hitters are slashing .293/.333/.466 the first time through the order against Paddack in 2026.
Paddack will most likely clear waivers and then be released. A team with starting pitching injuries and a lack of depth could consider plugging him into their rotation. If he fails to receive another starting opportunity, a club in need of bullpen help (maybe Minnesota?) may convert him to a reliever.
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