Maximo

Acosta

Mazur is the most notable name of the cuts, as he was acquired in the deal that shipped Tanner Scott to the Padres back in July. The 23-year-old has a chance to make starts for Miami before the end of 2025.

Acosta, who was picked up in the Jake Burger trade, took Kevin Herget deep today. He’s coming off an AFL campaign that saw him hit .338/.413/.521 in 20 games. The 22-year-old is primarily a shortstop, but he could take over as the Marlins’ second baseman this summer if Otto Lopez either struggles or plays well enough to accrue some trade value.

Initially a disappointment after landing a strong signing bonus as a teenager out of Venezuela, Acosta broke through somewhat at age 21 and was just added to the Rangers’ 40-man after batting .288/.353/.425 with 26 steals in 104 games in Double-A last season. He also thrived in the AFL, hitting .338/.413/.521. A shortstop and second baseman, he seems more likely to wind up as a utilityman than as a major league regular, but there’s still time for him to change that projection.

The Marlins are obviously content to remain a joke franchise for another season. The Rangers, on the other hand, are upgrading from their Silver Slugger utilityman at DH by acquiring Burger to play over Josh Smith. Of course, Smith will still get time at other spots. Burger, though, is a nice upgrade for the middle of the lineup and should get quite a fantasy boost while playing in an MLB-quality offense. The Marlins are getting a couple of solid middle infield prospects in Acosta and Vargas, though neither is any kind of lock to turn into a regular. Mendoza, a 20-year-old lefty, is a potential bullpen arm. Burger’s exit from Miami would seem to increase the chances of Deyvison De Los Santos landing a starting job.

Teodo is now officially protected from selection in next month’s Rule 5 Draft, where he certainly would’ve been gobbled up by another club. He was a revelation last season at Double-A Frisco, compiling a microscopic 1.98 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 110/50 K/BB ratio across 86 1/3 innings (20 appearances, 19 starts). The hard-throwing 23-year-old righty, who started the All-Star Futures Game back in July, projects as a potential impact high-leverage reliever for fantasy purposes at the highest level. He’s a name to watch, especially in dynasty leagues, if he makes the transition to a full-time relief role.

Acosta signed with the Rangers for $1.65 million in 2019 but has had a bumpy transition to pro ball. However, he put together a solid year in 2024 where he slashed .288/.353/.425 with eight home runs and 26 stolen bases in 104 games. At just 21 years old, there is plenty of time for Acosta to blossom into an MLB regular and another strong start at Double-A could make him a more realistic middle infield option for the big league team.