The Marlins have outrighted outfielder Magneuris Sierra, relays Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald (Twitter link). That suggests he’s already cleared waivers. As a player who has spent parts of seven seasons in the minor leagues, the 25-year-old Sierra will have the right to elect minor league free agency in the coming days.
The move could bring an end to Sierra’s four-season tenure in the organization. Originally a Cardinals’ prospect, he was traded to Miami alongside Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen and Daniel Castano as part of the December 2017 Marcell Ozuna deal. Sierra, who had briefly debuted with St. Louis the season before, was viewed as a potential everyday center fielder based on the strength of his speed, defense and bat-to-ball skills.
The left-handed hitting Sierra appeared in the majors in each of the past four seasons with Miami but never hit enough to live up to that everyday billing. He has yet to hit a home run in 540 MLB plate appearances, posting a .240/.287/.278 mark altogether. Sierra’s baserunning and defense have been strong as expected, but that lack of productivity at the plate eventually squeezed him out of a crowded if unsettled outfield mix. Miami still has Lewis Brinson, Brian Miller, Bryan De La Cruz and Monte Harrison as center field-capable players on the 40-man roster.