The Marlins enter 2026 with major uncertainty at first base as Christopher Morel, Liam Hicks and others try to solve one of Miami’s weakest positions.
The Miami Marlins are heading into 2026 without much certainty at first base, and that may be one of the biggest warning signs on the roster.
Fans should expect a position that will likely be handled by committee rather than by one dependable everyday answer, according to reporting Monday by Fish On First's Ely Sussman. That is not always a bad thing in theory, but in Miami’s case, it looks more like a reflection of limited options than a strategic advantage.
After poor production from the position in 2025, the Marlins moved on from Troy Johnston, Eric Wagaman, and Matt Mervis, but then the team did not bring in a proven replacement.
Christopher Morel appears to be the leading candidate to get the bulk of the work, but he brings as many questions as he does answers. Morel has never played first base regularly in the majors, and his spring training showed exactly why the transition may not be smooth. Baseball Reference shows he committed three errors at first in 13 Grapefruit League games, and the miscues went beyond what showed up in the box score. His inexperience around the bag, combined with his smaller frame for the position, could make defense an issue all season.
The Marlins are clearly hoping his bat can make the defensive tradeoff worth it. That is the gamble. Morel once looked like an impact hitter, but since the middle of 2023, his production has dropped off sharply. His power still flashes in the underlying contact data, but the swing-and-miss remains a major concern. If he does not hit for real power, it becomes much harder to justify living with the defensive struggles.
Liam Hicks could also see time there, especially against right-handed pitching, but he comes with his own limitations. He offers a different offensive profile, though not much power, and that leaves the Marlins without a true middle-of-the-order answer at a position where teams usually want one.
Connor Norby is another possibility, though he is also learning the position and remains an imperfect fit. Griffin Conine is an intriguing wild card because of his raw power and better defensive look at first, but with Kyle Stowers injured, Miami needs his outfield depth more urgently.
That leaves Deyvison De Los Santos as the longer-term upside play. The 22-year-old prospect could eventually get his shot later this season, but expecting immediate impact would be risky.
So what should fans expect from first base in 2026? Probably inconsistency, experimentation, and the hope that someone unexpectedly claims the job. Right now, it looks like one of the weakest positions on the Marlins roster rather than a settled solution.
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