Skip to content
ads-banner

Miami Marlins Designate Chen for Assignment

Prior to the 2016 season, Chen signed a five year, $80 million contract with Miami. The Marlins had hoped he would play the way he did while a Baltimore Oriole. However, he did the opposite. In the first years of the deal, he went 13-19 with a 5.10 ERA. Last season, he was reassigned to the bullpen where he had a 6.59 ERA.

The Marlins still owe Chen $22 million but according to President of Baseball Operations, Michael Hill, “The decision was not about money. It was about building the best and deepest 40-man roster to allow us to compete in 2020 and beyond.”

While designating Chen for assignment cost the Marlins, it allowed them to add six prospects to their 40-man roster. In doing that, they were able to protect the prospects from the Rule 5 Draft next month. The decision pleased fans and showed that the new ownership was finally focused on winning. Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter bought the team from long time owner, Jeffrey Loria, in 2017.  

Join the Discussion