The Miami Marlins have been stuck in a rut, failing to climb higher than third place in the NL East for the past five seasons. But here's the silver lining: there's a buzz of optimism surrounding their starting lineup for the upcoming year. Let's dive into why.
The Marlins' outfield is looking solid, thanks to breakout performances from Kyle Stowers and Jakob Marsee. Stowers had a stellar year, while Marsee impressed in his first taste of the big leagues. Agustin Ramirez also made waves, finishing sixth in NL Rookie of the Year voting and providing much-needed power at catcher and designated hitter. The middle infield is in good hands with Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez, who form a high-contact duo.
And this is where it gets interesting: the Marlins have struggled to find consistent production at first base, a position that's been a revolving door. Enter Connor Norby, a name that's been whispered as a potential solution. According to Kevin Barral and Isaac Azout of Fish on First, Norby could be shifting to first base, despite primarily playing third base and occasionally second base in the majors. Norby's versatility is notable; he even spent time in the outfield during his time in Baltimore's minor league system.
The Marlins' first base situation in 2025 was underwhelming, to say the least. Seven different players took turns at the position, collectively posting a disappointing .663 OPS – 27th in the league. Eric Wagaman led the pack with 392 plate appearances but managed only an 85 wRC+. Troy Johnston was the most effective, boasting a .972 OPS in 42 plate appearances, but he was claimed off waivers by the Rockies. Currently, Wagaman and Graham Pauley are the top options, with Liam Hicks potentially filling in when he's not catching.
But here's where it gets controversial: Norby, despite being the leading candidate for third base in 2026, has defensive shortcomings that might push him across the diamond. His -5 Defensive Runs Saved and -4 Outs Above Average at third base in 2025 raise questions about his long-term fit. Comparatively, Pauley graded out much better defensively, with 3 DRS and 6 OAA. So, is moving Norby to first base a smart move, or a risky gamble?
Offensively, Norby showed promise after joining the Marlins from the Orioles in 2024, slashing .247/.315/.445 with 7 home runs in 36 games. However, his 2025 campaign was a different story. While he reduced his strikeout rate to 26.7%, his power numbers plummeted, with an ISO of just .138 and a 56-point drop in SLG. Injuries likely played a role, as Norby dealt with an oblique strain, wrist issue, and quad strain throughout the season.
The big question remains: Can Norby bounce back and become a reliable first baseman, or should the Marlins explore free agency for a more consistent option? Veterans like Josh Bell or Donovan Solano could be intriguing bargain signings. As the Marlins aim to climb out of their division doldrums, the first base position will be a key factor in their success. What do you think – is Norby the answer, or should the Marlins look elsewhere? Let us know in the comments!
