Some players wait years for a moment that reminds everyone why they’re still in the game. On Wednesday night, Miami Marlins catcher Brian Navarreto got his—and made the most of it in his first start of the season, turning a long road back into a statement performance.
There are moments in sports when, regardless of whether you're rooting for the team a player is on or not, a player does something that makes everyone cheer for him.
Such a moment was provided by Miami Marlins catcher Brian Navarreto, making his first start of the season on Wednesday. Navarreto flashed the leather for some key pickoffs during the Marlins’ 4-2 win over the Texas Rangers.
It was a start, not even an allergy attack was going to make him miss, and he took full advantage of the opportunity.
“I drank some protein, and then my face and body started to get itchy,” Navarreto said after the game, adding that his lips also began to swell. “Nobody’s going to take me out of this game, not even the allergies.”
Navarreto was called up on June 21 after Liam Hicks was placed on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain. Fortunately for the Marlins, the MRI came up clean, and Hicks is projected to return in early July.
Despite going hitless, Navarreto made his presence felt during the game. He drew a walk and scored a run. He also threw out two runners attempting to steal, including Nicky Lopez, who tried to take second base in a scoreless third inning. In the game, Navarreto showed his arm strength and why he is considered a defensive catcher.
When asked about the two pickoffs, Navarreto said, “I try to do my best” to help the team, especially in those situations like that.
“All my career long, everybody knows me as a defensive catcher.” Navarreto said.
For a player who went 270 days waiting for another opportunity in the major leagues, it was the kind of game that reassured him that his perseverance was all worth it. Perseverance is the best word to describe Navarreto. When many players would have called it quits, he pushed and fought to keep his dream of becoming an everyday catcher alive.
It's been a long path for the 31-year-old to get to this point. Navarreto was drafted back in the 2013 MLB draft by the Minnesota Twins in the sixth round. He has played in over 700 games in the minors with four different organizations.
After a number of seasons with the Twins, Navarreto was traded to the New York Yankees in 2019 and was assigned to Double–A Trenton Thunder, but after the season He elected free agency, signing with the Marlins, where he would finally make his MLB debut in 2020.
After becoming a free agent following the 2021 season, Navarreto signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2022. He spent three seasons in the Brewers organization before returning to the Marlins for a second stint in 2025.
Navarreto’s journey and Wednesday night’s performance are a testament to his persistence. Despite bouncing between organizations and spending much of his career in the minor leagues, he continues to chase his Major League dream.
With Hicks being able to play first base and be a designated hitter, could the Marlins find a way to keep Navarreto on the Major League roster once Hicks returns? It’s a question we’ll have an answer to very soon.
