Marlins deal Fortes to Rays for Double-A outfielder Etzel (sources)

ST. LOUIS -- The Marlins on Monday dealt catcher Nick Fortes to the Rays in exchange for Double-A outfielder Matthew Etzel, sources told MLB.com.

The club did not confirm the news.

This would mark the 13th MLB deal between the instate rivals, and the fourth since Peter Bendix left the Rays to become the Marlins’ president of baseball operations in November 2023.

Etzel, who ranked as the Rays' No. 28 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was originally selected by the Orioles in the 10th round of the 2023 Draft before being part of the three-prospect package for Zach Eflin last July.

After enjoying success at the plate in Baltimore’s system, Etzel’s OPS dipped nearly 40 points (.692 from .730) and his strikeout rate rocketed to 35 percent at Tampa Bay’s Double-A affiliate during his first full professional season in 2024.

Though Etzel’s average this season (.230) doesn’t reflect his 45-grade hit tool, he boasts a .360 on-base percentage in 56 games in 2025. His performance against the Marlins’ Double-A affiliate in Pensacola over the past two seasons likely made him a target. From 2024-25, he went 26-for-83 (.313) with three doubles, six homers and 24 RBIs against the Blue Wahoos.

According to MLB Pipeline’s scouting report, Etzel has a 65-grade run tool, as evidenced by the 45 bases he stole over 119 games in 2024. He projects as a corner outfielder, and has predominantly appeared in left in ‘25. While Etzel is currently on the injured list, he is expected back soon.

The 23-year-old Etzel will join the following top prospect outfielders in Miami’s system: Dillon Head (No. 7, Single-A), Kemp Alderman (No. 8, Double-A), Jakob Marsee (No. 10, Triple-A), PJ Morlando (No. 11, Single-A), Andres Valor (No. 18, Single-A), Victor Mesa Jr. (No. 25, Triple-A) and Andrew Pintar (No. 28, Triple-A).

Fortes, meanwhile, was one of Miami’s longest-tenured position players and the club’s Opening Day starting catcher each of the past two seasons. When Fortes landed on the IL with a left oblique strain in mid-April, the emergence of rookie backstops Agustín Ramírez and Liam Hicks decreased his playing time upon his return.

The Marlins also have Joe Mack (MLB Pipeline's No. 83 overall prospect, Marlins No. 3 prospect) in the pipeline. The Minor Leagues' reigning Gold Glove winner at catcher entered Monday with a .712 OPS at Triple-A Jacksonville this season.

The 28-year-old Fortes hit .225/.277/.344 with 38 doubles, two triples, 25 homers and 96 RBIs in 363 games from 2021-25 with Miami, the organization that drafted him in the fourth round in 2018. Behind the dish, he developed into one of the best in blocks above average over the past two seasons.

Fortes is making $1.86 million this season and is under club control through 2028. Tampa Bay sent catcher Danny Jansen to the Brewers, so Fortes would slot into his place.

Ramírez will likely continue to be Miami’s primary backstop. He’s played 38 of his 81 games behind the plate since making his Major League debut on April 21. With Fortes gone, Hicks can serve as his main backup while also splitting time at first base and designated hitter to keep his bat in the lineup.

In the Marlins’ 7-1 loss to the Cardinals on Monday night at Busch Stadium, two miscues by Ramírez led to a pair of runs. When right-hander Edward Cabrera threw a wild pitch with a runner on second in the fourth, Ramírez retrieved the ball but overthrew third baseman Graham Pauley, and the Cardinals scored a run. In a five-run seventh, Ramírez committed catcher’s interference with the bases loaded to permit another.

Cabrera, who has been the subject of trade rumors, allowed just two runs (one earned) over six innings in what might’ve been his final start in a Marlins uniform. Since May 25, he has a 2.11 ERA over his past 11 starts.