Rays get C Nick Fortes from Marlins for OF Matthew Etzel

Field Level Media|published: Tue 29th July, 11:02 2025

Jul 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Nick Fortes (4) throws to first base to retire San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (not pictured) during the ninth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired catcher Nick Fortes from the Miami Marlins on Tuesday in exchange for minor league outfielder Matthew Etzel.

Fortes, 28, batted .249 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 59 games with the Marlins this season.

He is a career .225 hitter with 25 homers and 96 RBIs in 363 games since making his debut with Miami in 2021.

Etzel, 23, was ranked as the Rays' No. 28 prospect by MLB Pipeline.

He batted .230 with five homers, 34 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 56 games at Double-A Montgomery this season before landing on the injured list on June 22.

--Field Level Media