The Miami Marlins are facing a significant puzzle as spring training approaches: who will be their everyday first baseman? It's a question that echoes the classic comedic confusion of Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First?" routine, but for the Marlins in 2025, the stakes are very real. While they've settled on Xavier Edwards for second base, the crucial first base position remains a wide-open competition.
Initially, the cost-conscious Marlins had explored the free agent market for a permanent solution at first base. However, they wisely steered clear of the hefty price tag associated with top talents like Pete Alonso, who secured a substantial five-year, $155 million deal with the Orioles. After evaluating the remaining free agents, the Marlins concluded that none were worth the commitment of multi-year contracts. This means that when position players report to Jupiter on February 16th, the first base bag will be a hotbed of competition, with at least four, and possibly more, candidates vying for the role.
One of the most intriguing, and perhaps controversial, candidates is Christopher Morel. He represents the Marlins' most significant offensive investment this offseason, signing a deal worth at least $2 million. Morel has a strong chance to see significant playing time at first base, if he can translate his power potential into consistent hitting. This is a substantial "if," given his career statistics. Morel has never played first base before and will be learning the position on the fly. His career batting average stands at a modest .222 with a .299 on-base percentage, alongside 74 home runs and 210 RBIs in 477 games. Last season, he hit .219 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs, but also struck out a concerning 109 times in 305 plate appearances. He has been working on his mechanics, and his past success, including a 26-homer season three years ago, offers a glimmer of hope. However, his splits show a tendency to struggle against left-handed pitching (.202 average) compared to right-handers (.230 average). Relying on Morel to be more than a platoon player at first might be overly optimistic, though Marlins president Peter Bendix has a history of developing players who exceed expectations.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Marlins have several other viable options, and their decisions are intertwined. They believe third baseman Connor Norby can effectively play first base, especially if Graham Pauley proves himself as a strong contender for the starting third base job. Furthermore, outfielders Griffin Conine and Heriberto Hernandez are also considered capable of filling in at first. Manager Clayton McCullough has already confirmed that Conine will receive reps at first base during spring training.
And then there's Liam Hicks, the backup catcher, who demonstrated his versatility last season by playing 28 games at first base, in addition to his primary duties behind the plate and at designated hitter. He was a revelation as a Rule 5 pick, hitting .247 with six homers and 45 RBIs. While Hicks is a left-handed hitter who performs better against right-handers, his opportunities at first base might be limited by his catching duties and the need to find at-bats for him elsewhere.
So, that's at least five players the Marlins are considering for first base: Morel, Norby, Conine, Hernandez, and Hicks. Manager McCullough confirmed that all five are serious options, and even added a sixth in prospect Deyvison De Los Santos, though he's likely to need more development in the minor leagues.
And this is the part most people miss: the intricate dance between these players' roles. The ultimate decision for who plays first base could hinge on the performance of other players. If Graham Pauley, an excellent defender at third, can hit consistently, it would free up Connor Norby to play more at first. Pauley's offensive ceiling is still a question mark; after a slow start last season, he showed encouraging signs in the second half, particularly in August. Similarly, if Owen Caissie, a highly-touted outfield prospect, secures a starting outfield job, it could allow Griffin Conine to transition to first base more regularly. Conine, despite a shoulder injury that sidelined him for much of last season, has shown promising power potential.
Now, let's dive into a potentially controversial interpretation: the platoon situation. The Marlins might consider a platoon at first base involving Norby and Conine. However, a closer look at their numbers reveals a peculiar twist. Norby, a right-handed hitter, surprisingly struggles against lefties (.207 average) but hits well against righties (.263). Conversely, Conine, a left-handed hitter, has a better track record against lefties (.317) than righties (.242). This could lead to a "wacky reverse platoon" scenario where the left-handed hitter faces lefties and the right-handed hitter faces righties – a strategy that might seem counterintuitive to some.
The Marlins absolutely need to find a solid answer at first base. Deyvison De Los Santos, while possessing power, saw a significant drop in his home run and RBI production last season. He needs to improve his contact and regain his power to become a viable big-league option.
What are your thoughts on the Marlins' first base situation? Do you think Christopher Morel can overcome his past struggles and become the everyday guy? Or are you more optimistic about a platoon or one of the other candidates? Share your opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take on this intriguing roster puzzle!
