No Debate: Javier Sanoja Should be the Marlins Third Baseman

The Miami Marlins have spent much of the past two seasons searching for answers at third base. However, it shouldn't take a telescope to see; The solution is standing right in front of them, and he's a familiar figure to the Fish.

Javier Sanoja emerged as one of the team's best and brightest surprises last season. He took a huge stride forward, transforming himself from a versatile utility player into a legitimate everyday option at the hot corner.

With Connor Norby and Graham Pauley no longer in the picture, the 24-year-old should be the clear-cut favorite to take over the position next season. And after what we witnessed last season, Sanoja should get that opportunity without having to look over his shoulder.

Sanoja posted a .295 batting average with 11 home runs across 144 games in 2026. By making 84 starts at third base, he solidified his role as Miami's go-to option at the position.

His offensive output stood out among qualified third basemen in Major League Baseball. In fact, MLB.com states that among players with at least 450 plate appearances whose primary position was third base, Sanoja ranked second in batting average and fourth in slugging percentage (.458).

And to be quite honest, there's not really an alternative on the market currently that would be better. So, why mess with a good thing?

Rather than being a temporary hot streak, these stats showcase a full year of steady contributions from someone who started the campaign without a guaranteed starting job.

Building on his 2025 Gold Glove Award as a utility player, Sanoja was also named a Gold Glove finalist at third base in 2026. Although he failed to capture the hardware, his defensive versatility is a great asset; the Marlins ought to refrain from shuffling him around and focus on giving him a permanent home at third base.

Peter Bendix, the president of baseball operations, clearly sees the immense potential in Sanoja.

"Javier's season was incredible," Bendix remarked at his end-of-season press conference. "He showed us that he's an everyday Major League player who could be a superstar, and he just kept getting better."

Manager Clayton McCullough has similarly commended Sanoja's growth, emphasizing how his elevated offensive performance and defensive versatility have opened up further opportunities.

Handing Sanoja the starting role in 2027 offers Miami the ideal chance to test his long-term viability. Backing up his breakout year with another strong campaign would prove that his performance marks the start of a solid career at third base.

While young players often face setbacks following a breakout season, that potential risk shouldn't stop the Marlins from trusting a player who has already shown he can perform at this level.

With pressing needs elsewhere—most notably on the pitching staff—it makes little sense for Miami to allocate resources to another third baseman when they already have a capable young option in-house.

Sanoja doesn't need to play at an All-Star level right away in 2027. He just needs regular playing time to build on his 2026 progress, keep developing, and show he can be a reliable fixture in the lineup.

The Marlins have uncovered a real asset in Sanoja. Now, they ought to grant him the platform to demonstrate that his breakthrough was no fluke.