The Marlins haven’t finished higher than third in the NL East over the past five seasons, but they come into next year with optimism in the starting lineup. Kyle Stowers broke out last year, while Jakob Marsee excelled in his first taste of big league action, solidifying the outfield group. Agustin Ramirez finished sixth in NL Rookie of the Year voting and provided thump at catcher and DH. Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez formed a high-contact middle infield combo.
Finding production at the corners has been more of a challenge, particularly first base, but Kevin Barral and Isaac Azout of Fish on First provided a new candidate there. A source told the duo that Connor Norby could see time at first base moving forward. The infielder has mostly played third base in the big leagues, along with a handful of appearances at second base. Norby spent time in left field and right field while in Baltimore’s minor league system, but hasn’t played outfield in the majors.
Miami had seven different players get reps at the position in 2025. The group scuffled to a .663 OPS, which ranked 27th in the league. Eric Wagaman led the way with 392 plate appearances at first base. He managed an uninspiring 85 wRC+ last year. Troy Johnston was the most effective Marlin when playing first base, posting a .972 OPS in 42 plate appearances, but he was claimed off waivers by the Rockies earlier this month. The top options at the position are currently Wagaman and Graham Pauley, with Liam Hicks potentially factoring in when he isn’t catching.
Norby enters 2026 as the leading choice to play third base, where he made 77 starts last season, though defensive shortcomings could necessitate a move across the diamond. The 25-year-old managed grades of -5 Defensive Runs Saved and -4 Outs Above Average at the hot corner in 2025. He posted -6 OAA between second base and third base in 2024. Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald previously reported Norby was likely to battle Pauley for the third base spot if the club didn’t make any free agent additions at the position. Pauley graded out much better defensively last year, with three DRS and six OAA.
Norby seemed like he would out-hit his defensive limitations after coming over from the Orioles in a midseason trade in 2024. He slashed a respectable .247/.315/.445 with seven home runs and three steals in 36 games with the Marlins. Norby struck out at a lofty rate (32.1%), but produced enough at the plate to stomach the struggles in the field.
The 2025 campaign did not go so well for Norby. While he did trim his strikeout rate to 26.7%, he failed to replicate the power he showed with both the Marlins and Orioles. Norby’s ISO tumbled to .138, and his SLG fell by 56 points. After hitting nine home runs in 45 games in 2024, he left the yard just eight times over 88 games last season. There’s a chance injuries could’ve sapped Norby’s power. He missed the start of the year with an oblique strain, dealt with a wrist issue in July, and hit the IL with a quad strain in September.
Stowers’ emergence as a big-time slugger has already made the Trevor Rogers trade worth it (though the left-hander had a nice resurgence himself), but getting something from Norby would make the deal a big win for Miami. The club could also opt for a more reliable option at first base through free agency. They’re unlikely to shop in the top tier of the position, but the bargain bin includes some reliable veterans. A reunion with Josh Bell or Donovan Solano could make sense.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Kucin Jr, Imagn Images
