READING, Pa. — Paul McIntosh woke up to around 12 missed calls on the morning of Dec. 22, the start of a “super crazy experience” for the minor-league backstop. Teammates, Miami Marlins staffers and farm director Rachel Balkovec had tried to get in touch. When McIntosh called Balkovec back, she delivered the news: He was being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.
In a move that was finalized later that same day, the Phillies swapped prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd for former Marlins starter Jesús Luzardo in a deal that also included McIntosh. The catcher was excited about the new opportunity and enjoyed the fact that he was coming to his new organization alongside the talented left-hander.