The Marlins should carry 3 catchers when Nick Fortes returns

[Ely Sussman]

For the first time in many years, the Marlins have enviable catching depth. Here's why they should lean into it for the foreseeable future.

From the moment the Miami Marlins called up Agustín Ramírez, it was only natural to think about what would happen when veteran catcher Nick Fortes returned from the injured list. Decision time is looming: Fortes began a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday. Barring any setbacks, he'll be reinstated sometime next week.

Ramírez has immediately shown that he belongs in the heart of a big league lineup. Through eight MLB games, he is slashing .290/.333/.710 (178 wRC+) with more extra-base hits (seven) than strikeouts (five). The quality of his contact has been outstanding.

However, the Marlins have been adamant that they are developing Ramírez as a catcher—100% of his defensive game reps since joining the organization have come behind the plate. He must continue playing there regularly to iron out his receiving and blocking deficiencies. Also, he isn't prepared to contribute at other positions on the diamond, other than perhaps first base if an emergency calls for it.

Pretty simple solution, right? Have Fortes and Ramírez split up the catching assignments, with Ramírez usually serving as designated hitter on his off days.

That's if you ignore the other rookie who has quietly caught the majority of Marlins games this season, Liam Hicks. He lacks the experience of Fortes and the offensive upside of Ramírez, but Hicks has been a solid contributor despite completely skipping the Triple-A level. He enters Friday with a .254/.338/.356 slash line (95 wRC+) in 70 plate appearances, ranking second on the entire team in RBI behind only Kyle Stowers. The left-handed-hitting Canadian grades out as more or less an average defender, buoyed by very good blocking.

Hicks had to skip Triple-A because he was acquired in the major league phase of last winter's Rule 5 Draft. Players in his situation must spend the following season on their new club's active roster or injured list, or else be offered back to their previous club (the Detroit Tigers in this case). Hicks cannot be optioned to the minors during the 2025 season.

With all due respect to Hicks, the Marlins anticipate a future where he is expendable. Joe Mack was promoted to Jacksonville last month and hit the ground running. He has the potential to be their long-term primary catcher beginning within the next year.

For the time being, the best possible Marlins roster includes Ramírez, Fortes and Hicks. Divvy up the reps by starting them at catcher approximately three times per week, twice per week and once per week, respectively. Ramírez should continue to DH most games when somebody else is catching. Whichever of Fortes or Hicks is out of the lineup on those days can make an impact as a pinch-hitter whenever there's an opportunity to gain a platoon advantage against an opposing reliever.

The obvious corresponding move when reinstating Fortes is sending Graham Pauley down to Triple-A. The 24-year-old infielder has been largely collecting dust on Miami's bench the past couple weeks and would benefit from regular playing time with the Jumbo Shrimp.

The next decision on the horizon involves outfielder Derek Hill, who is mending from a left wrist sprain. That fit is straightforward too, in my opinion. The Marlins can option Ronny Simon to make room. Hill would reduce the burden on Jesús Sánchez to man center field, protect him from facing lefty pitchers and frequently serve as a pinch-runner. Eric Wagaman has been miscast as an everyday player recently—Hill's return would shift him back to his optimal role as Matt Mervis' platoon partner at first base.

 

 

Eventually, it's very likely that Fortes or Hicks will be traded, but the Marlins must recognize the leverage they have. There is zero pressure on them to force a move in early May before the market has time to develop. This catching surplus is a great "problem" to have.

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[1993 fan from start]

would it  be 3 catcher if one dh   im high on two catching sandy only rob and fortes . would trust hicks behind the plate macking pitching calls over  ramirez.  that just making call and keeping pitchers in game.