Finding production on the corners has been more of a challenge, especially at first base, but Kevin Barral and Isaac Azout of Fish in first place yielded a new candidate. A source told the duo Connor Norby could see the time moving forward at first base. The infielder played primarily at third base in the major leagues, along with a handful of appearances at second base. Norby spent time in left and right field while playing in Baltimore’s minor league system, but has not played outfield in the majors.
Miami had seven different players get reps at the position in 2025. The group struggled to a .663 OPS, which ranked 27th in the league. Erik Wagaman led the way with 392 plate appearances at first base. Last year he posted an uninspiring 85 wRC+. Troy Johnston was the most effective Marlin when he played first base, posting a .972 OPS in 42 at-bats, but he was claimed off waivers by the Rockies earlier this month. The best options at the position currently are Wagaman and Graham Pauleyof Liam Hicks possibly taking into account the fact that he doesn’t catch.
Norby enters 2026 as the leading choice to play third base, where he made 77 starts last season, though defensive deficiencies could necessitate a move across the diamond. The 25-year-old posted marks 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 that Norby would likely compete against Pauley for the third base spot if the club did not add free agents at that position. Pauley scored much better defensively last year, with three DRS and six OAA.
Norby appeared likely to surpass his defensive limitations after coming over from the Orioles in a midseason trade in 2024. He hit a respectable .247/.315/.445 with seven home runs and three steals in 36 games with the Marlins. Norby struck at a high rate (32.1%), but produced enough at the plate to handle the struggles in the field.
The 2025 campaign did not go so well for Norby. Although he dropped his strikeout rate to 26.7%, he failed to replicate the power he showed with both the Marlins and Orioles. Norby’s ISO dropped to .138 and his SLG dropped 56 points. After hitting nine home runs in 45 games in 2024, he left the field just eight times in 88 games last season. There is a chance that injuries have sapped Norby’s strength. He missed the start of the year with an oblique strain, dealt with a wrist issue in July and went on the IL in September with a quad strain.
Stowers’ emergence as a big-time slugger has already turned heads Trevor Rogers worth a trade (though the southpaw 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 at the top end of the role, but there are some reliable veterans in the bargain bin. A reunion with Jos Bell or Donovan Solano could make sense.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Kucin Jr, Imagn Images
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