A closer look at the Miami Marlins' rising stars, like Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez, and the crucial defensive challenge facing catcher Agustin Ramirez.
The Miami Marlins are coming off what is arguably their most encouraging season in a long time, a 79-83 record, and a legitimate chance of making the playoffs. Despite falling short, there's no doubt the team surpassed expectations. However, the next step is to be an established contender in the National League.
Outfielder Kyle Stowers was the biggest headline throughout the regular season. In 117 games, he had 399 at-bats, 115 hits, 25 home runs, including a couple of grand slams, 73 runs batted in, a .288 batting average, and a WAR of 3.6.
Other Marlins players also finished with career numbers and, this season, could be prepared for the next step.
The one that stands out the most is catcher Agustin Ramirez. The 23-year-old rookie played in 136 regular-season games; in 537 at-bats, he had 124 hits, 21 home runs, 67 RBI, a .231 BA, but a WAR of -0.4. Offensively, there is tons of promise, but Ramirez needs to make defensive strides.
Ramirez saw 76 stolen-base attempts while behind home plate, which was the fifth most in the league; he was a -3 in catcher stealing runs, -5 in exchange, and -3 in accuracy. He also finished with a -28 blocking average on 2,692 opportunities.
As of now, there's no notion the Marlins will move him to designated hitter and will keep him at catcher, but now having a better feel in the majors, the hope is the lessons stick and translate to the field for the upcoming season.
Another player who exploded on the scene last season was Xavier Edwards. The shortstop recorded 561 at-bats, 159 hits, three home runs, and 43 RBI; he led the team with 27 stolen bases, a batting average of 283, and a WAR of 3.2. The 26-year-old plays with a lot of energy, which provides a massive spark in the dugout. Edwards has progressed year after year since joining the majors in 2023. As a rookie, he was part of the Marlins team that reached the playoffs, making one plate appearance in Game 2 against the Philadelphia Phillies, which resulted in a loss with a final score of 7-1.
If Edwards continues to increase his production, perhaps an All-Star case could be in the mix.
Finally, another young veteran player who could make strides this upcoming season is second baseman Otto Lopez. Similar to Edwards, he's improved since joining the majors in 2021, originally with the Toronto Blue Jays, before finding a path towards South Florida.
The 27-year-old finished the season with 544 ABs, 134 hits, 15 HRs, 77 RBI, 15 stolen bases, a batting average of .246, and a WAR of 3.5. He's proven to be productive since arriving and has earned an expanded role.
All of these guys are just beginning to find a footing in the majors, with more room to grow as the Marlins look to make a push for the playoffs from the get-go.
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