Top of Marlins batting order providing much-needed production

[Kevin Barral]

The Marlins parted with several of their best offensive players in trade deadline deals, but the replacements for them have filled their shoes well.

MIAMI, FL—After trading away Jazz Chisholm Jr., Josh Bell and Bryan De La Cruz last month, who would've thought that the Miami Marlins offense would actually improve? With that trio getting dealt to contenders, Xavier Edwards, Jake Burger and Jonah Bride have found themselves starting regularly at the top of the batting order, and it's gone well for them so far.

Edwards, Burger and Bride have played in each of Miami's 22 games since the deadline passed. The team's record is only 7-15, but entering Friday, their wRC+ during that span has been 115, 207 and 154, respectively (100 represents league average).

"We needed it from somewhere," said Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. "We didn't know where we were going to get it from. We knew Burger was going to provide some pop. I didn't know he's going to be on this crazy run...So he's still in a really good spot. X has provided incredible offense at the top. What we didn't know—or I at least didn't know—was what Jonah Bride was going to provide. He's been excellent, and he's been really good defensively as well, so that's been great."

Edwards has moved into the leadoff spot previously occupied by Chisholm where he's slashed .319/.404/.436/.840 with one home run, nine RBIs and 15 stolen bases. "I've been comfortable there," said Edwards. "It helps when I've been there for most of my career."

Burger, the "veteran" of the group, has been on a tear since the All-Star break. Entering Friday's game, Burger has an OPS of 1.132 with 15 home runs and 22 RBIs. Burger spoke to how fun it's been hitting up there with Edwards and Bride, giving them praise for how productive they've been.

"X takes really good at-bats and gets on base and steals a bag," said Burger. "We always have a chance to get a guy in, so having him up top, then obviously, what Jonah Bride is doing has been awesome to see. He rakes and he's finally getting a full run at it. So it's been incredible to kind of have him behind me."

As for Bride, he made the Marlins Opening Day roster in wake of the trade that sent Jon Berti to the New York Yankees, but he ultimately spent most of the season's first half with Triple-A Jacksonville. Since his return to the Major Leagues in July, Bride has been on a heater, slashing .276/.376/.459/.835 with five home runs and 18 RBIs. He's putting himself strongly in consideration for a Opening Day spot in 2025.

"In this league, when you're playing every single day, it's a grind," said Bride. "You're gonna have some bad days and you're gonna have some good ones. When you're having the good ones, you definitely got to ride that wave. You're always playing for your job, especially with guys like me. Gotta go out there every day and earn every opportunity."

 

Bride has been a sponge, just soaking up as much knowledge as he can, primarily from Burger. He attributes his success to the help that Burger and Edwards have provided him. "I think I just got some confidence," said Bride. "Talking every day with Burger and Edwards, just trying to have that positive energy and going about it in that way that they've told me. I think every day, Burger seems like he's faced all these pitchers, so he's definitely helping give me some intel on what to look for."

Prior to the trade deadline, the Marlins offense averaged 3.61 runs per game. Despite losing experienced and talented bats, their average has increased to 4.14 per game post-deadline.

On Friday night, Edwards led the game off with a base hit, which he then followed up with his 22nd stolen base of the season. He exited a short time later with lower back discomfort. Bride drove in the Marlins' second run of the ballgame on an RBI single and reached base safely three times overall. Burger went 1-for-5 with a run scored.

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