MIAMI, FL—Back from the injured list, Xavier Edwards has made a position change. The Marlins had been experimenting with Edwards as their starting shortstop since last July, but he is going to be at second base moving forward, which he hasn’t played regularly since 2023. That isn’t the only moving piece of the Marlins infield. Following the recent decision to designate Matt Mervis for assignment, Liam Hicks has taken over as the team’s backup first baseman. Hicks made his first career start there on Sunday.
Through 110 career games at shortstop, Edwards posted -12 defensive runs saved and -16 outs above average. One of his biggest defects at the position was his arm strength, ranking in the 20th percentile last season, but only getting worse in 2025, ranking in the 11th percentile.
Marlins infield/baserunning coach Tyler Smarslok is optimistic about how Edwards will adjust to moving back to the right side of the diamond.
“I think X has proven that he can continue to get better at things,” said Smarslok. “If he was given that runway, I think he was going to continue to get better. I bet on that guy every day. I think second base is a home for him that he feels really comfortable in. I think his skill set at second base is just going to play. I think we could be looking at one of the best defensive second baseman in the league now.”
In 43 games prior to Sunday, Edwards was slashing .262/.335/.291/.626 with 11 RBI, 11 stolen bases and a 74 OPS+. The big dip in offensive production compared to 2024 could’ve been in part because of the high amounts of extra work that goes into playing shortstop and that could’ve bled into the offensive side of his game. He was excellent at the plate on Sunday, finishing 5-for-5 with an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning. He and Jesús Sánchez are the only players in franchise history to have a 5-for-5 day.
“Comfort always helps, but I think more so my mindset, headspace I’ve been in since my IL stint definitely is a big factor,” Edwards said postgame.
When Fish On First asked him about his initial reaction to being told he was going back to second base, he said he was “excited” to go back to his natural position. One of the biggest adjustments he noted was just turning double plays and just the way he needs to go about fielding balls that come towards him, noting there are a lot more underhand throws.
Hicks, who was selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Marlins, had prior experience at first base, dating back to the 2024 season in Triple-A with the Texas Rangers. However, his entire offseason was focused on improving behind the plate. It wasn’t until about a week ago that Hicks began taking reps at first base.
“He’s done a lot of really good work,” Smarslok said. “He’s actually played a lot of first in the minor leagues, so now it’s just getting his big league taste of it. He moves his feet really well, got really good hands, he’s got the catcher’s hands that can work short hop. We’re expecting him to do pretty well out there.”
Hicks has been very productive offensively as a rookie, slashing .275/.350/.473/.822 with four home runs, 22 RBI and a 123 OPS+. Adding another position makes it easier for the Marlins to get him at-bats on a roster that includes fellow catchers Agustín Ramírez and Nick Fortes.
“I want to do whatever it takes to get in the lineup,” Hicks told Fish On First. “I’m excited that they’re giving me an opportunity to play first. It’ll be cool.”
Someone who has helped Hicks throughout this process is Eric Wagaman, who gave Hicks his glove to use in his first career start at the position. “He’s helped a lot. We’ve been over there taking them at the same time, so he’s given me some tips with positioning and foot placement on the bag.”
On Sunday, Hicks looked good at first base outside of one moment in the top of the sixth. Hicks fielded a sharp ground ball and threw to second for a force out, but did not run back to cover first in time for the Marlins to complete a double play.
“I think hopefully he just feels more comfortable over there,” said manager Clayton McCullough following the game. “Getting some game reps under his belt is a way for us to maybe continue to be able to have Liam get some opportunities in the lineup.”
The final piece to this infield realignment is Otto Lopez permanently moving over to shortstop. In 11 games at the position this season, Lopez has a two DRS and zero OAA. Smarslok describes Lopez’s arm as a “bazooka.”
“He’s got to attack his feet a little bit more,” said Smarslok. “He’s got to really attack the ball, play on the run a little bit more than you do at second base. That’s been a big sticking point for him. Another one who’s played a lot of short in his career and now he’s just going to do it a little bit more regularly. It’s just leaning on really getting into his legs, not just having a stable base and using the arm. He’s got to use his legs and feet just a little bit more than he than he had in the past.”
Unaffected by these changes, Connor Norby remains the Marlins’ regular third baseman. He has been used exclusively at the hot corner this season (-2 DRS and 0 OAA).
“I think he’s done an incredible job,” said Smarslok. “Some of the numbers, he’s doing some really good stuff over there. What I’ve been impressed with is he’s a professional ball catcher. The ball’s at him, it’s going and I think even more so than that, talking to him in the offseason, the throw was giving him some trouble last year. Moving from second to third is an incredibly demanding position. It’s really tough on the throw. He’s throwing the ball better than he’s ever thrown it. He feels really good, like his feet are really good. Those were the big things for him.”
With their series finale loss on Sunday, the Marlins fall to 23-34 on the season and will open a three-game set on Monday against the worst team in baseball, the Colorado Rockies. Max Meyer will toe the rubber against Germán Márquez at 6:40 pm.