The San Diego Padres added right-handed pitcher Ron Marinaccio to their bullpen depth on Thursday, acquiring him from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for financial considerations. Marinaccio, a 29-year-old hard-throwing reliever, spent the previous few seasons with the New York Yankees before being taken off waivers by the White Sox late in the 2024 season.
“We have acquired RHP Ron Marinaccio from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations.” via the Padres’ official X (old Twitter) account.
Despite not appearing for Chicago, Marinaccio brings a solid track record of high strikeout rates and great potential to San Diego’s bullpen. Marinaccio had a 3.05 ERA and a 29% strikeout rate in 91 1/3 innings with the Yankees in 2022 and 2023, but his 13.2% walk rate indicated control concerns.
Marinaccio’s command improved significantly in 2024, with a 10.1% walk rate. However, his strikeout rate dropped to 25.3%, yielding a 3.86 ERA for the season. Marinaccio’s career ERA is 3.22 in 114 2/3 major league innings, with a strikeout rate of 28.2% and a walk rate of 12.6%.
Ron Marinaccio aims to strengthen the Padres bullpen following a quiet offseason.
His ability to induce swings and misses has been consistent throughout his career, as indicated by his dominant minor league numbers: a 2.86 ERA, 33.5% strikeout rate, and 11.5% walk rate in 132 innings over the last four seasons. While Marinaccio’s command is still a work in progress, his ability to miss bats makes him an intriguing addition to the Padres pen.
Furthermore, the right-hander has a remaining minor league option, providing San Diego the opportunity to move him between the majors and minors as needed during the 2025 season. Marinaccio also has less than two years of MLB service time, so he won’t be arbitration eligible until after the 2026 season, giving San Diego affordable team control.
The acquisition comes as the Padres aim to strengthen their bullpen after a difficult 2024 season. Marinaccio’s propensity to create strikeouts might make him a viable middle-relief option for San Diego, particularly as they deal with probable pitching staff change.
The White Sox parted company with Marinaccio after signing Martín Pérez to a one-year deal. To create place for Pérez on the 40-man roster, Chicago designated Marinaccio for assignment, eventually sending him to the Padres for monetary considerations. With this move, the Padres continue to fine-tune their roster in preparation for spring training, counting on Marinaccio’s ability to recapture his 2022 form and become a vital contributor to their bullpen.
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