The Marlins are giving Connor Norby a look in the outfield as they search for ways to keep his bat in the lineup while easing defensive concerns at third base.
The Miami Marlins may have found a creative way to get Connor Norby’s bat in the lineup while easing some of the defensive pressure that has followed him at third base.
As initially reported by Alex Krutchik of Fish On First, Norby made his first outfield appearance as a Marlin on Friday against the Houston Astros, and the early returns were encouraging.
The 25-year-old handled all three balls hit his way, including a flyout off Jose Altuve to begin the game, and looked comfortable enough to suggest this experiment could have some staying power.
After the game, Norby described the experience in a way that made it clear he is embracing the change.
He joked that he felt “like a wild horse that they let run free,” adding that playing the outfield has felt more like recess than work.
That kind of reaction matters, especially for a player trying to carve out a long-term fit on a roster still sorting through its best defensive alignments.
The move is not coming out of nowhere. Norby has experience in both left and right field from his time in Triple-A with the Baltimore Orioles organization, appearing in 77 games there between 2023 and 2024.
Still, this is a notable shift for a player who has mostly been asked to settle in at third base since arriving in Miami at the 2024 trade deadline.
That transition has not been seamless. According to Statcast, Norby posted minus-5 outs above average at third base in each of the past two seasons, a sign that the Marlins have legitimate reason to explore alternatives if they believe his offense is important enough to keep penciling him into the lineup.
This may be less about replacing Norby at third permanently and more about expanding his value. He has already played first base twice this spring, and his background at second base adds to the picture of a player who could become a true utility option with everyday upside.
Norby still says he feels most comfortable at third, and that likely remains the position he views as home. But if the Marlins can unlock more versatility without sacrificing his confidence, they may end up helping both his development and their roster flexibility.
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