This story was excerpted from Christina De Nicola's Marlins Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
ST. PETERSBURG -- Marlins outfielder Esteury Ruiz is a game changer with his wheels.
Miami sought out Ruiz, who led the American League with 67 steals in 2023, this offseason for that reason. Entering Sunday, he is 7-for-7 stealing bases as a Marlin, often entering as a pinch-runner in close ballgames.
What better way for fans to get to know the newcomers both on and off the field than through a fun Q&A? In this installment, we catch up with Ruiz about how fast he is and what baseball means to him.
Thanks as always to Luis Dorante Jr. for interpreting when needed!
MLB.com: If you were a car, what kind of car would you be?
Ruiz: Formula 1.
MLB.com: Very fast, is that why?
Ruiz: And I’m a competitor.
MLB.com: What’s the key to being a good basestealer? Obviously, you’re fast.
Ruiz: Not being afraid.
MLB.com: Are you afraid of anything?
Ruiz: I’m terrified of dying without Christ in my heart.
MLB.com: When you heard you got traded, how did you see this opportunity or change of scenery for you?
Ruiz: Everybody knows, it’s no secret, the Dodgers, the young players don’t have as much opportunity because all the veterans have high contracts and are all set at their position. But when I got traded to the Marlins, here there’s more opportunities than over there.
MLB.com: What was the message the Marlins gave you once you got here about the role you could have with the team?
Ruiz: I’m available to do whatever they need me. To go in, pinch-run, pinch-hit, defensive. Any of that, I’ll be ready to do it.
MLB.com: Did you know anybody before joining the Marlins?
Ruiz: Sandy [Alcantara]. We’re from the same [Dominican Republic] city, Azua. Agustín [Ramírez] I met in the DR, and I played with [Brian] Navarreto.
MLB.com: The talk around you is always “if he can hit.” Was there anything mechanical you worked on this offseason or was it more about swinging at strikes and controlling the zone, the message that they give everyone?
Ruiz: Swinging at pitches in the zone is very important and not make those mistakes. I’ve been playing a lot of games, taking a lot of at-bats, so it’s something I’m going to continue improving and not chase. That’s the most important part.
MLB.com: Where did those two home runs you hit early on come from?
Ruiz: I think I’ve just been able to put some good swings on good pitches. Truly don’t think about that in the at-bat. When I’m able to do that, it’s been good swings.
MLB.com: What does baseball mean to you?
Ruiz: For me, it’s one of the top three most important things in my life, something I really wanted to do since I was a little kid. Just wanted to be here, at ballparks, surrounded by stars. I was able to do it and to be able to make it is something I’m very grateful for.
MLB.com: What are the other two important things in your life?
Ruiz: God first, and my family.
MLB.com: If you weren’t doing baseball, what would you be doing?
Ruiz: I would say a businessman. I feel like I would be really good at it.
MLB.com: What would you be selling?
Ruiz: I think I would be very active in many ways. I’d be like a shark that smells blood somewhere and just attacks it. Probably real estate.