Traded Players Luis Arraez and Pablo Lopez Make Baseball History
SEATTLE — In a rare feat, traded players Luis Arraez and Pablo Lopez created history by being selected to the same All-Star Game. The duo, both Venezuelans, were involved in a deal between the Minnesota Twins and the Miami Marlins on January 20. Their selection marks the first time in 15 years that two players traded for each other have made it to the same All-Star Game since Edinson Vólquez and Josh Hamilton achieved the same feat in 2008.
López expressed his excitement upon learning about this unique achievement, stating, “I love that. Now that I know it’s a bit weird, that it’s been 15 years, it’s very cool to know. I couldn’t be happier for him.” Arraez, who had been with the Twins for four years before the trade, also expressed his surprise at being traded to the Marlins after winning the American League batting title in 2022. However, he embraced the change and is enjoying playing for his new team.
While Arraez and Lopez were familiar with each other from their time in the minor leagues, their bond grew stronger after being traded for one another. Representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic further cemented their relationship, and they have remained close throughout the season. Arraez praised Lopez’s skills and character, saying, “Pablito is a tremendous player, a tremendous pitcher, and a tremendous person. We talk a lot.”
Both players have had outstanding performances this season. Lopez, with a 5-5 record and a 3.89 ERA, earned his first All-Star trip, while Arraez has been on fire at the plate with a batting average surpassing .400. He even achieved the first cycle in Marlins history. This will be Arraez’s second All-Star Game appearance.
Lopez expressed his admiration for Arraez’s success, saying, “I couldn’t be happier for him and his success, I’m a huge fan of his. Every time I do something good, he texts me, FaceTimes me. Every time he does something, I congratulate him.” Reflecting on the trade, Lopez mentioned that he still closely follows Marlins games and praised Arraez’s performance, stating, “The way he’s been running the offense, getting on base almost half the time, has been amazing to watch. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
As the All-Star Game approaches, Lopez humorously revealed his strategy to face Arraez on the field, stating, “You’re not going to strike him out, you’re not going to cheat him. You just have to make quality pitches in the zone and try to let it get out on its own. You just have to challenge him, and he’ll get himself out…sometimes.”
With their unique trajectory and camaraderie, Arraez and Lopez have not only made an impact on their respective teams but also on the baseball world. As they gear up for the All-Star Game, fans eagerly anticipate their showdown and the possibility of witnessing another historic moment between these two talented players.
In the end, both teams can claim success with the trade, as they acquired what they needed at the time. López summed it up, saying, “I think both teams can say they got what they were looking for at the time with what they needed.”