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It wasn't a blockbuster deal, but in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday afternoon, the Miami Marlins acquired pitcher Matt Ramsey in exchange for three international bonus starts reportedly worth over $1 million.
#Rays traded RHP Matt Ramsey to the Marlins for their 2nd, 3rd and 4th international bonus slots, worth just over $1 million.
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) July 7, 2014
#Rays traded RHP Matt Ramsey to the Marlins for their 2nd, 3rd and 4th international bonus slots, worth just over $1 million.
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) July 7, 2014
Ramsey has spent the first half of 2014 at Double-A, where he has pitched to a 3-0 record with 1.07 ERA and 2.53 FIP in 33 and two third innings pitched.
Ramsey is a power reliever with 95-mph + fastball, power curveball, but poor control. 1.07 AA ERA this year. 12 K/9 6 BB/9.
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) July 7, 2014
Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel noted via Twitter that Ramsey will head to Double-A Jacksonville.
Miami hasn't been incredibly active on the international market, making losing a few signing slots manageable. In Ramsey, the Marlins receive a quality young arm that, barring any setbacks, will continue to develop and could join the Marlins' staff at some point next season.
Ramsey does have to work on his control after issuing 23 walks in those 33 innings. An inflated 6.15 BB/9 rate has plagued Ramsey, but his ability to limit a big inning has been notably positive.
The money acquired allowed the Rays to afford top international prospect Adrian Rendon, who they agreed to terms with last week.
Miami is familiar with Tampa Bay's system after sending shortstop Yunel Escobar to St. Pete in exchange for Derek Dietrich, who had been the Marlins' starting second baseman before being placed on the disabled list.
The Marlins may make a few major league deals moving forward, but at the very least, adding an arm to a Double-A rotation that has lost several as a result of promotions this season should prove to be beneficial.