Arraez and López are the primary two gamers swapped for each other to be chosen to the identical All-Star Game in 15 years. That connection had not been acknowledged since righty Edinson Vólquez and outfielder Josh Hamilton (Rangers-Reds) throughout the 2008 season.

“I love that,” López mentioned when instructed of the historical past. “Now that I know it’s a little rare, it’s been 15 years, that’s pretty cool to know. I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Arraez had spent the primary 4 years of his profession in Minnesota, whereas López performed his first 5 in Miami earlier than they have been dealt this previous winter. Arraez slugged his technique to the 2022 AL batting title and López made a career-high 32 begins final season main as much as the four-player deal.

“It was a lot for me, and I was especially surprised because I got my batting title last year and then I didn’t think somebody would trade me to the Marlins,” mentioned Arraez. “Then when they traded me, I said, 'OK, now I’ve got to go there to the Miami Marlins and enjoy my team and play baseball there.'”

Arraez and López had confronted off within the Minor Leagues, however they didn’t know one another effectively within the Majors. The commerce modified that. Arraez and López bonded throughout the World Baseball Classic taking part in collectively on Team Venezuela. That relationship has carried into the season.

“Pablito is a tremendous player, a tremendous pitcher, a more tremendous person,” Arraez mentioned in Spanish. “Pablito has a good energy. We talk often.”

In making comparable changes -- new organizations, new personnel, new philosophies -- the opposite participant might relate and supply perception.

“I think we were able to click a lot based on that,” López mentioned. “We developed a very genuine, sincere friendship. I couldn’t be happier for him and for his success, a big fan of him. I watch a lot of his games. Every time I do something good, he texts me, he FaceTimes me. Every time he does something, I congratulate him.”

Both gamers have had loads to congratulate one another on this season. López posted a 5-5 file with a 3.89 ERA within the first half for his All-Star debut; Arraez’s batting common has reached .400 and he entered the break hitting .383, together with the primary cycle in Marlins historical past, to earn his second All-Star nod.

“I think both teams can tell that they got the things they were looking for at the time with what they needed,” mentioned López. “Obviously, I still watch a lot of the Marlins games because I have way too many friends on that team. … The way he’s been carrying the offense, getting on base almost half the time, it’s just been unbelievable to watch and I couldn’t be happier for him. That was the first thing I told him when I saw him on the elevator today.”

So what might occur if the buddies face off within the All-Star Game on Tuesday night time? López has a recreation plan for his good friend.

“You’re not going to strike him out, you’re not going to fool him,” he mentioned. “You just have to throw quality pitches in the zone and try to let him get himself out. In hindsight, I think that’s one of the easier at-bats. Just challenge him and he’ll get himself out -- sometimes.”

Content Source: www.mlb.com