Full Breakdown
Miami Marlins Designate Chris Paddack for Assignment, Shift Focus to Young Pitchers
5/6/2026, 3:14:23 AM
DFA of Chris Paddack
On May 5, 2026 the Miami Marlins removed veteran right-hander Chris Paddack from the 40-man roster, designating him for assignment. The move follows a one-year, $4 million contract signed in February and creates a roster spot that was filled by recalling right-handed reliever William Kempner from Triple-A Jacksonville.
Background: Paddack’s Struggles and Marlins Rotation Woes
Paddack entered Miami after a four-year stint with the Padres, Twins and Tigers, expected to provide stability to a rotation that had already posted a 0-6 start to the season. In six (or seven, per some reports) starts he posted a 0-5 record, a 7.63 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP, prompting the club to seek alternatives among its top prospects.
Performance Metrics
- ERA/FIP: 7.63 ERA, 5.00 FIP
- Innings: 30 2/3 IP (41 hits, 6 HR, 10 BB)
- WHIP: 1.66; K/9: 7.9
- Velocity: Four-seam fastball averaged 91.3 mph, the lowest of his career.
- Opponent batting average: .308; Home runs allowed: 6
Official Response from Management
Manager Clayton McCullough said the decision was “performance-based” and praised Paddack for his professionalism and willingness to embrace the team’s spring-training initiatives. He added that the club now has “better starting options” and will evaluate prospects for the upcoming Friday start.
Criticism from Analysts and Media
Local and national beat writers labeled Paddack the “glaring weak link” in an otherwise effective rotation, noting that his arm had become “untrustworthy” after a steep velocity drop. The Marlins’ two-day hesitation to place him on the injured list was described as a missed opportunity to address the rotation’s instability sooner.
On-the-Field Report: Philadelphia Game
In his most recent outing on May 3, Paddack surrendered six runs in the first inning, including a three-run homer by Bryson Stott, and was pulled after 2 2/3 innings. The performance cemented the club’s decision to move on.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on Paddack’s exact record (0-5 vs. 0-6) and the number of starts (six versus seven). No public medical report clarified whether a lingering injury contributed to his reduced velocity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It came down to a performance thing,” — Clayton McCullough, Marlins manager
- “Throughout spring training, he was very open to the initiatives we have going here.” — Clayton McCullough
- “We felt he could give us stability in the rotation.” — Clayton McCullough
- “Throughout spring training, he was very open to the initiatives we have going here. We felt he could give us stability in the rotation. As we discussed further after the other day, now is the best time for us to look to make a change in that spot.” — Clayton McCullough
Next Steps for Miami’s Rotation
The Marlins have recalled William Kempner to bolster the bullpen. For the Friday start against the Washington Nationals, left-handers Braxton Garrett (28) and Robby Snelling (22) are the leading candidates, both posting sub-2.00 ERAs in Triple-A. The club’s next roster move will reveal which prospect receives the first major-league opportunity.
