The Marlins have signed right-hander Adam Oller to a minor league deal, according to Ari Alexander of KPRC 2. The righty is expected to join Triple-A Jacksonville soon.
Oller, 29, previously signed a minor league deal with the Guardians in the offseason but was released last week. He pitched 27 2/3 innings for Triple-A Columbus this season, with a 7.48 ERA and a 14.4% walk rate. Despite his struggles, he struck out 26.4% of batters faced.
Prior to this season, Oller was with the A’s after being acquired in a trade with the Mets. He has MLB experience with Oakland but struggled with a high ERA, low strikeout rate, and high walk rate. He was later claimed off waivers by the Mariners but was ultimately outrighted at the end of the season.
The Marlins’ interest in Oller stems from his ability to generate strikeouts in the minor leagues. Despite his high ERA, he has shown the ability to miss bats consistently.
With their pitching staff depleted due to injuries, the Marlins could benefit from adding Oller to their roster. If he can replicate his strikeout success in the majors, he could become a valuable asset for the team.
As a deadline seller, the Marlins may further deplete their pitching staff by trading key players in the coming weeks. Oller’s addition could help bolster their depth in the interim.
If Oller earns a spot on Miami’s roster, his remaining option season and minimal service time could make him a long-term contributor to the team. He will need to prove himself at the MLB level to solidify his place in the Marlins’ future plans.
