From shrewd trades to a historic postseason run, discover how Kim Ng defied the odds to transform Miami into a winner through calculated risks and franchise-defining acquisitions.
Kimberly Ng is currently the commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. But not too long ago, she made history in Miami as the first woman to be a general manager for a major men's professional sports team in the US.
After working in MLB front offices for 21 years, she became the Marlins general manager in 2021. Her tenure followed the Miami Marlins’ first playoff appearance since moving into their new ballpark (2020). Although it was a short one, she did what few in her position were able to accomplish in the franchise’s nearly four decades of baseball has been able to accomplish.
Rebuild a playoff team in three years.
It took shrewd trade decisions that may have need seemed sensical or significant at the time but paid off when it mattered.
Acquired Jesus Luzardo for Starling Marte
Trading for Starling Marte in the midst of a playoff race was a smart move by the Marlins in 2020. However, with the team falling out of playoff contention in 2021 and his value rising with a .305 batting average entering free agency, a trade had to be made. The Marlins traded Marte to the Athletics for pitching prospect Jesus Luzardo, a South Florida native who was struggling against big league hitting at first but the potential was there. Marte continued to swing a hot bat for A’s (.316 BA) in a failed attempted for the postseason. Luzardo went on to record over 200 strikeouts and propel the Marlins to the postseason in 2023.
Extended Sandy Alcantara
Sandy Alcantara was emerging as a front line starter in his first three years with the Marlins. Seeing his potential and need for some staying power as the ownership group works to build credibility with the fan base, the Marlins extended their ace to a five-year deal leading to the 2022 season. Alcantara repaid them by winning the franchise’s first Cy Young Award.
Acquired Xavier Edwards for Santiago Suarez
It was an under the radar trade with the Tampa Bay Rays leading up to the 2023 season and it only became a big move for Miami after Ng’s departure. Edwards is now one of the best hitters in baseball, with 15 multi-hit games so far this season. Edwards and shortstop Otto Lopez are slashing a combined .331/.397/.483 (114-for-344), leading all middle infield contingents in each of those categories and with a combined .880 OPS.
Acquired Ryan Weathers for Garrett Cooper
In July of 2023, the Marlins were in playoff contention but fading from their hot start. Ng made several moves during the summer to turn their fortunes around. One drastic trade was sending Garrett Cooper, fresh out of an All-Star appearance, to the San Diego Padres for pitching prospect Ryan Weathers. Cooper continued to fade out of baseball while Weathers showed promise as a Marlin, recording a 3.74 ERA over 125 innings from 2024-25. Injuries have limited his potential, prompting the Marlins to sell high and trade him to the New York Yankees for a package of prospects.
Acquired Jake Burger for Jake Eder
Another trade Ng made during the 2023 trade deadline was bring in Jake Burger in a trade with the Chicago White Sox for pitching prospect Jake Eder. Burger was in the middle of his only 30+ home run season to this day while Eder has reached the Major Leagues but now is a reliever with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Marlins reached the playoffs on the back of Burger’s nine home runs, 28 RBI and .303 batting average. He followed it up with 29 home runs and 76 RBI in 2024 before the new guy in charge traded him to the Texas Rangers.
Draft the future of the Marlins
Ng’s front office drafted four of the Marlins top 10 prospects. One of them was Joe Mack, who recently made his MLB debut and quickly became Miami’s top defensive catcher. Thomas White was a 2023 pick and is now the Marlins’ top prospect. Geno Alderman was taken in the second round and is coming off a 22-homer season while being on pace for more this year.
Aftermath
Ng left the Marlins after taking them to the playoffs one year after Derek Jeter resigned from his position as CEO. After completing the final guaranteed year in her contract, the Marlins wanted an executive above her in an effort to reshape the front office.
Ng chose to move on and the Marlins brought in Peter Bendix. Two years into his tenure, his strategy has seen mixed results but plenty of promise.
Meanwhile, Ng is on a mission to blaze another trail.
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