Pablo López joined Miami in 2017 as a minor league signing from the Seattle Mariners. Over time, he became one of the most technically proficient starters in the franchise’s recent history. Renowned for his composure and an exceptional changeup, the Venezuelan right-hander served as a dependable part of the rotation during a time of organizational change.
After making his debut in 2018, López spent several seasons refining his repertoire while navigating shoulder issues that limited his availability. He truly arrived during the shortened 2020 campaign, authoring a 3.61 ERA and providing the stability that helped the Marlins secure a rare postseason berth. By 2021, he proved that his command was a foundational asset, most notably on July 11 when he reached a historic milestone by striking out the first nine batters of a game against the Braves, setting a new Major League record.
In 2022, his first full, healthy campaign, he showcased command of the mound with 32 starts, 180 innings, 10 wins, a career-high 174 strikeouts, and a 3.75 ERA. He was efficient early in the season, leading the league in ERA at one point and emerging as a co-ace with Sandy Alcántara.
With the organization in need of offensive impact, the Marlins finalized a high-profile trade in January 2023, sending López to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for reigning batting champion Luis Arráez. He had a 28-31 record, a 3.94 ERA, and 439 strikeouts for the Marlins.
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