After losing Brent Headrick to the Yankees through a waiver claim on Tuesday, the Minnesota Twins lost a second reliever to the waiver wire as the Miami Marlins snapped up Ronny Henriquez. Henriquez had been designated for assignment last week to make room on the 40-man roster for newly signed outfielder Harrison Bader.
Many considered Henriquez on the bubble to make the Twins' 26-man roster, but likely the odd man out, after bolstering the bullpen with left-hander Danny Coloumbe.
Other factors also complicated Henriquez's shot of making the team, such as the selection of Rule 5 pitcher Eiberson Castellano, who must remain on the 26-man roster all season or be offered back to the Phillies, as well as the team tendering a contract to veteran reliever Michael Tonkin, likely giving him a probable path to making the club out of spring training.
In a corresponding move, the Marlins designated former Guardians righty Xzavion Curry for assignment.
Bienvenido Ronny Henriquez 🫡 pic.twitter.com/RMhX0qUtMs
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) February 11, 2025
Henriquez, acquired in the Mitch Garver trade with the Texas Rangers in 2021, made his major -league debut against the Cleveland Guardians in 2022. The 24-year-old has appeared in 19 big-league games with a 1-2 record, 2.90 ERA, 24 strikeouts, and eight walks.
With Henriquez being out of minor league options, he likely has a better chance to stick on the Marlins' major league-roster than he did in Minnesota. Featuring a lively fastball and a high spin rate on his slider, Henriquez will be afforded more opportunities for Miami, widely expected to finish last in the NL East this season, than he would on the Twins.