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Marlins DFA Chris Paddack, Call Up William Kempner

5/6/2026

Summary

Paddack Designated

The Miami Marlins designated pitcher Chris Paddack for assignment on Tuesday.
Paddack, who signed a one-year, $4 million free-agent deal, posted a 0-5 record with a 7.63 ERA in seven starts.
He gave up six runs in the first inning against Philadelphia and seven runs over 2 2/3 innings in his latest start.
Manager Clayton McCullough said the performance-based move prompted the recall of right-hander William Kempner from Triple-A Jacksonville.

Summary

Joe Mack Debuts

Joe Mack debuted Monday, the first 2021-draft Marlins prospect to reach the majors.
Manager Clayton McCullough praised his quick-twitch defense and clean ball handling, noting a 30% caught-stealing rate over five minor-league seasons.
Baseball America ranks him 50th overall and fifth among catchers after his walk rate rose to 19.4% and his Triple-A OBP reached .334 following 2023 training changes.
The Marlins will pair him with left-handed catcher Liam Hicks.

History

Historical Context

After disassembly of their 1997 championship, the Florida Marlins dealt ace Kevin Brown to the San Diego Padres in 1998 for Derrek Lee and prospects, and Brown posted an 18-7 record with 257 strikeouts that season. The trade began a pattern of swapping arms for talent, a strategy repeated in 2024 when Miami designated Chris Paddack and promoted catcher Joe Mack under manager Clayton McCullough.

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Paddack Designated

The Miami Marlins designated pitcher Chris Paddack for assignment on Tuesday.
Paddack, who signed a one-year, $4 million free-agent deal, posted a 0-5 record with a 7.63 ERA in seven starts.
He gave up six runs in the first inning against Philadelphia and seven runs over 2 2/3 innings in his latest start.
Manager Clayton McCullough said the performance-based move prompted the recall of right-hander William Kempner from Triple-A Jacksonville.

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