Why Marlins are parting ways with Chris Paddack despite $4 million contract

The Miami Marlins knew they could have an underratedly solid team in the 2026 MLB season.

To help bolster that, they signed Chris Paddack in the offseason to a one-year deal for $4 million. He was meant to bolster the starting pitching rotation.

Instead, Paddack was designated for assignment on Tuesday.

That officially removes him from the 40-man roster, and it places him on waivers. Paddack could be claimed by another team.

At that point, Paddack could be traded to complete the waiver transaction, or released.

But it's a quick change of plans for the Marlins on a guy they made a solid investment in this offseason.

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Why did the Marlins DFA Chris Paddack?

The reality is that the 30-year old right-hander hadn't been good enough so far this season.

He pitched in seven games so far for Miami, six of them starts, and had a 7.63 ERA in 30.2 innings.

Paddack has a career 4.79 ERA at the MLB level.

Last season, it was 5.35 between the Twins and Tigers. He doesn't seem to have the effectiveness that he showed early in his career with the San Diego Padres.

It's not obvious anyone would want Paddack to be in their starting rotation at this point, but maybe he could still do decent work out of a bullpen somewhere.

For now, the Marlins are cutting him loose, and he'll have to figure it out from here.

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