The Miami Marlins have spent much of the past two seasons searching for dependable pieces to build around, and Javier Sanoja is making a compelling case that the answer at third base might already be on the roster.

The diminutive dynamo, who stands just 5'7" and weighs 150 pounds. So, he doesn't quite fit the traditional profile of a power-hitting corner infielder. However, the 24-year-old has demonstrated that his value extends well beyond his size, combining exceptional contact ability, defensive versatility, and emerging power into a skill set that could earn him an everyday role for the foreseeable future.

In 2026, Sanoja entered the season being viewed as more of a utility player, but eventually worked his way into the lineup with good defensive play at the hot corner and timely hitting. He even showcased some surprising power at times. 

Sanoja hit .295 with 11 home runs and 69 RBI in 144 games this past season; he played 119 games and started there 84 times. It was a bit of a revelation, as the emerging star gave the team more than they bargained for... proving, once again, that big things often come in small packages.

In September, manager Clayton McCullough praised Sanoja's improved impact at the plate and his ability to play virtually anywhere on the field. McCullough also emphasized that Sanoja had earned additional opportunities through his performance.

“He certainly is impacting the ball at a better rate this year," McCullough said about the third sacker. "And he's still young. He just turned 24 years old, so he's just a really good player."

"He seems now, as he's gotten out there, he's earned the right to play every day because that's just how he's performed. I couldn't pull for Javi any harder because he's always ready, and he's a gamer.”

The young infielder showed that he has the skills to be an everyday player and should get every opportunity to get between 120 and 140 starts at third in the upcoming season. If he continues on the type of pace he's on, Sanoja could push his numbers close to 20 long balls and 80 runs batted in.

Granted, those aren't massive stats for the position, but it's enough to warrant leaning on him and his defensive skills. He only committed 11 errors overall in the year, and he previously won the Gold Glove Award in 2025 as a utility player.

His emerging bat is encouraging, and his skipper has seen how the whole package is starting to come together for the player.

“He's just so valuable with what he can do, and he gets the ball to all fields," McCullough stated. "Just seen him time and time again when things are the hottest; he just has a real ability to stay in that moment and come through.”

It's encouraging for Miami that they could likely have a cornerstone at the hot corner, especially when you consider what he's got to work with. Sharing the loanDepot infield with shortstop Otto Lopez and second baseman Xavier Edwards sets things up nicely for the player and his team in 2027.