The Marlins’ trade deadline acquisition of Alex Jackson was unpopular yet somewhat understandable. Above all else, the franchise was determined to upgrade at the catcher position. Why not roll the dice on a former first-round draft pick who had been thriving at Triple-A? It did cost them veteran Adam Duvall, but they didn’t value his production for the rest of 2021—having already fallen out of postseason contention—and believed his spot could be filled in future years either via homegrown corner outfielders or free agency.
Jackson made his Marlins debut on August 2. Exactly three months later, the Braves clinched the World Series title, with Duvall as an everyday starter.