#1
#1 out of 1
sports8h ago
Pair of castoffs has become baseball's best middle infield
- The Marlins pair Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez have the highest combined middle-infield fWAR in 2026, per FanGraphs.
- Edwards and Lopez are similar players: undersized, fast, with compact swings and strong bat-to-ball skills.
- Edwards has shifted to second base full-time, improving his defensive value with +11 Outs Above Average at second base.
- Lopez leads the Majors in hits and batting average this season, fueling Miami’s improved offense.
- Edwards has raised his offensive profile with better plate discipline and increased hard contact this year.
- Edwards has adjusted his left/right-handed approach, boosting performance against both sides.
- Lopez has improved power metrics, including increased exit velocity and hard-hit rate.
- Marlins management credits the development environment for improving Edwards and Lopez.
- The season's pace has kept the Marlins competitive, staying in the NL Wild Card hunt late May.
- The 2026 performance marks a notable turn for Miami’s infield strength, challenging pre-season expectations.
Vote 0