Connor Norby entered 2025 looking like a key building block for the Miami Marlins. His unremarkable performance on the field and limited availability pushed him out of the picture. In 88 games, Norby slashed .251/.300/.389/.689 with eight home runs, 34 RBI and a 90 wRC+.

“Last year was the most frustrating year of my career,” Norby told Fish On First in an exclusive interview at Friday’s Marlins Media Day. “Never really been hurt, spending three different stints on the IL and most of it just freak things that popped up. Frustrating overall and just never really got into a rhythm.”

Norby’s season debut was delayed by an oblique strain. Then he underwent left hamate surgery during the All-Star break and missed more time in September due to a quad strain.

“I really thought I was playing my best baseball those last six weeks of the season along with the team, which is the most important thing,” Norby said. “It was definitely a learning experience for me and it’s going to be the most important year of my career.

In Norby’s final 16 games of the season, he hit .293/.344/.500/.844 with two home runs and 18 RBI.

Norby has only played third base since being called up by the Marlins in August 2024 and he’ll compete against Graham Pauley for playing time there in 2026. Norby’s priority this spring is “to be the best third baseman that I can be.” Pauley was clearly the better fielder last season as measured by outs above average (+6 to -4) and defensive runs saved (+3 to -5).

“Learning third base is incredibly hard and I’m still learning,” the 25-year-old admitted, “but with how I finished defensively and offensively, that last month was where I believe my standard is right there.”

Norby’s natural position is second base, but he continues to be blocked there by Xavier Edwards. He played occasionally in the corner outfield spots during his minor league career with the Baltimore Orioles. Although undersized for first base, the Marlins have plenty of reps available there.

“First and foremost, whatever helps the team win,” Norby said when asked about the position change and where he feels best. “Secondly, I am an infielder and have always been an infielder…I have some experience [in the outfield]. It’s whatever keeps me in the lineup, right? Whether it’s third base one day or left field the next, wherever it may be. I’m sure we’ll dive more into that when we get to camp.”

The next couple of weeks, Norby is expecting to take ground balls about two to three times per day with new infield coach Blake Butler. “I’m excited to see what he brings and I’m an open book,” said Norby. “I’m eager to learn and try new things and he knows that…I’m eager to turn a lot of heads and prove a lot of people wrong and go out and prove a lot of people right.”

Last year at Media Day, Norby said that his 2025 goal was to hit 30 home runs. In 2026, he is going to keep the individual goals to himself, but as a team, he wants the Marlins to win the NL East division and make the postseason for the first time since 2023. As currently constructed, he believes they have the talent to achieve that.

“My play elevates more when I am focused on team play and think so does everybody else’s. It’s going to be a hungry group this year and we’re coming.”