Part of a series of articles previewing the defensive performance of all 30 MLB teams by asking the question … are they good? We give an overview of team strengths, weaknesses, and other things to know, using Defensive Runs Saved and other stats as the basis for our evaluation. To see the full series, click here.
2025 Team Defensive Runs Saved Rank: 17th
Team Strengths
When we’re talking about the best middle infield defenses in MLB, the Marlins belong in the conversation. Otto López handled last year’s position flip from second base to shortstop well. He had 7 Runs Saved at shortstop. Xavier Edwards did likewise in moving from shortstop, where he was struggling, to second base. His 12 Runs Saved ranked second at the position.
The Marlins have a third high-quality defensive infielder in utility Gold Glove award winner Javier Sanoja. He had 9 Runs Saved split between second and third base last season. He also filled in at shortstop, left field, and center field when needed.
Team Weaknesses
Agustin Ramírez is projected as the Marlins starting catcher and he has some improvements to make, specifically when it comes to pitch blocking. He had by far the lowest successful block rate* in MLB last season (83%), which led to his ranking next-to-last among catchers in Runs Saved.
The pitching staff, in tandem with Ramirez and Liam Hicks, need to do a better job of limiting basestealers. Miami allowed 191 stolen bases, 34 more than the next-closest team and allowed runners to steal at an 89% rate, the highest rate in MLB.
* SIS charts blocks on pitches in the dirt in situations in which baserunners or the batter could advance. MLB average is usually around 91-92%.
Elsewhere, Connor Norby is the projected starter at third base. He has -10 Runs Saved in 112 career games there, so he’s a weak link in the infield.
Other Things To Know
Christopher Morel has played every position in the infield and outfield in the majors except first base. But he’s listed by FanGraphs as the Marlins starting first baseman entering 2026. We’ll be curious to see how that goes.
The Marlins have a few players who fall into the ‘neither strength nor weakness’ category, specifically Kyle Stowers and Jakob Marsee who rate about average in left and right field.
Prospectwise, the Marlins have an impressive minor league defensive catcher, their No. 3 prospect Joe Mack got a 60 grade for defense on the 20-80 scouting scale from FanGraphs. He has very good numbers throwing out potential basestealers, which would definitely help this Marlins team.
Are the Marlins A Good Defensive Team?
The Marlins have a good middle infield but the rest of the team is generally average or below-average. I don’t know that I’m ready to call the whole group good just yet.
