MIAMI -- Before the free-agency period gets underway after the World Series, the Marlins did some more preparation by trimming down their 40-man roster on Saturday. The organization announced backup catcher John Holaday, reliever Drew Rucinski and Minor League left-hander Miguel Del Pozo have been outrighted to Triple-A New Orleans.
The moves reduce Miami's 40-man roster to 31, clearing space to add several of the organization's top prospects.
In the next week or so, the club is expected to add prospects such as outfielder Monte Harrison, second baseman Isan Diaz and right-handers Jorge Guzman, Nick Neidert, Jordan Yamamoto, Robert Dugger and Tommy Eveld -- among others -- to its 40-man roster.
Parting ways with Holaday leaves two catchers on the 40-man -- All-Star J.T. Realmuto and Chad Wallach, who becomes a possibility to be the primary backup. Wallach was Miami's Opening Day and Closing Day catcher. At the start of the season, Realmuto was on the disabled list with a bone bruise in his lower back and, in the short term, Wallach and Holaday filled in.
Holaday provided veteran leadership, and he was praised for how he handled the pitching staff. In 61 games, the 30-year-old batted .205 with a home run and 16 RBIs. He also had some big moments, like coming through with two walk-off singles.
Holaday also made two relief appearances in blowout games.

Wallach spent most of the season in the Minor Leagues, where he hit .236 with three home runs and 21 RBIs.
There will be plenty of speculation about Realmuto's status this offseason. The Marlins are open to signing the 27-year-old to a contract extension. If an agreement can't be reached, Realmuto will be entering his second year of arbitration. He is eligible for free agency in 2021.
The Marlins will likely listen to trade offers for their All-Star catcher, but the organization doesn't feel any urgency to deal its best player.
Rucinski, 30, made 32 relief appearances and posted a 4.33 ERA, while Del Pozo, a lefty reliever, spent the season at Double-A Jacksonville, where he compiled a 3.97 ERA in 34 innings.
A potential left-handed-relief option for the Marlins is Jose Quijada, who recorded a 2.42 ERA at New Orleans. Miami is high on Quijada, who could also soon find himself on the 40-man roster.