Regardless of looks, Sanoja played a key role for the Marlins from the moment he made his 2025 debut for the Marlins.
Sanoja filled the quintessential utility role exactly according to the definition of the words. Except for spending time behind the dish, first base, or in right field, Sanoja dabbled at every other position on the field. Throughout his time at each, he had 7 DRS and 2 FRV across 785 innings during the season.
Aside from the -2 DRS at the shortstop position, where he spent the second-least amount of time, Sanoja provided steady defense for the Marlins consistently. As a matter of fact, he did not have a success rate less than 75% at any other position but shortstop.
Sanoja, at just 22 years old, became the youngest position player to spend a full season on the Marlins’ active roster since Giancarlo Stanton. Sanoja initially made his way to the Marlins organization as an international signee out of Venezuela, where he got a $90,000 signing bonus.
The role that Javier Sanoja fills for the Miami Marlins is very reminiscent of the one that Emilio Bonifacio filled for them during his time with the Marlins. He likely will not be a master of any specific tool, but if he can be a steady bat off the bench, especially as a gold-glove caliber defender, he will find himself sticking on the big league roster.
The Marlins’ Major Gold Glove Snub
This is in no way a detriment to the three Fish finalists, but the best defender on the team was not a nomination.