The Giants have acquired infielder Isan Diaz from the Marlins in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later, The Miami Herald’s Jordan McPherson reports (Twitter link). The Fish designated Diaz for assignment last week.
This is the third time Diaz has been dealt in his career, though this particular trade is far and away the lowest-profile of the three swaps. Originally selected by the Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2014 draft, Diaz was part of the five-player deal between the D’Backs and Brewers in January 2016 that brought Jean Segura to Arizona. In January 2018, Milwaukee then included Diaz as one of the four prospects sent to Miami in the Christian Yelich blockbuster.
Diaz drew some top-100 prospect attention during his time in the minors, so it wasn’t surprising that multiple teams were interested in his services. However, Diaz wasn’t able to translate his minor league production into success in the majors, as he has hit only .185/.275/.287 over 501 career plate appearances over the 2019-21 seasons (he also opted out of much of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns). Diaz hasn’t seen any big league action this year, or even much action at all due to injuries — he has thus far appeared in two rehab games at A-ball, and two Triple-A games.
Originally drafted as a shortstop, Diaz was moved off the position but then surpassed by Jazz Chisholm as the Marlins’ second baseman of the future. Defensive metrics aren’t impressed with Diaz’s work at second base or third base, though as technically a multi-position capable player, he does fit the versatile profile that the Giants often covet. Diaz also doesn’t turn 26 until next month, so the Giants may feel he might be a late bloomer who could break out in a new environment. Considering San Francisco’s success at reclamation projects in recent years, it might not be surprising if Diaz should blossom with his new club.