SHOCKING DEPARTURE: Padres Have Officially Confirmed The Departure of Key Most Experience Starter and Fans Favourite to Marlins

The Marlins have claimed right-hander Lake Bachar off waivers, causing vibrations across the Padres’ roster, according to Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union Tribune on X. The Padres designated Bachar for assignment over the weekend, and the Marlins will need to make a comparable move to free up a space on their 40-man roster.

Lake Bachar, 29, has yet to make his major league debut, but he earned a position on the Padres’ roster because to his strong minor league performance in previous years. Despite missing the 2020 season due to the pandemic and 2021 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Bachar made considerable progress when he returned. Bachar showed some rust in 2022, posting a 6.15 ERA in Double-A. However, a spring training splitter camp directed by Hideo Nomo in 2023 boosted his performance. Bachar had a much-improved 2.69 ERA after 60 1/3 innings at Double-A that season. He struck out 27.5% of batters and walked 10%, indicating a return to form. Bachar, who was eligible for minor league free agency following the 2023 season, re-signed with the Padres on a minor league contract with an opt-out clause at the beginning of August.

To keep him from leaving, the Padres put him to their 40-man roster at the time, albeit he remained on voluntary assignment. Despite a temporary recall a week ago, he did not appear in a game and was optioned back to triple-A. Bachar was dropped off the Padres’ 40-man roster after the team added catcher Elias Díaz and outfielder Brandon Lockridge. Despite a great performance in the minors this season (71 2/3 innings over 46 appearances at Triple-A with a 3.89 ERA in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League), Bachar was judged expendable.

The Marlins, on the other hand, believe Bachar has great potential. With no major league service time and two option years remaining, Bachar has the potential to be a tremendous long-term asset for the Marlins if he can maintain his success and gain a spot on their 40-man roster.

 

As the Padres change their roster for September and the Marlins bring in a talented pitcher, Lake Bachar’s future remains unknown yet promising. His rise from potential minor leaguer to a sought-after commodity by another team exemplifies the unexpected nature of MLB rosters and the chances that accompany them.