Has Javier Sanoja emerged as legitimate Marlins extension candidate?

[Ely Sussman]

The last two seasons have seen a handful of intriguing young hitters exceed expectations for the Miami Marlins. The only one of them who's been a constant presence on their active roster throughout that period? Javier Sanoja.

At the beginning of 2025, Sanoja was a prototypical, lightly used utility player. However, opportunities for an expanded role have presented themselves through a combination of trades, injuries and underachievement by his teammates, and he has capitalized on them. He is now a bonafide everyday player for the Marlins as they cling to life in the National League Wild Card race with less than three weeks remaining in the 2026 regular season.

Sanoja endeared himself to the club and its fanbase with his remarkable versatility—he has already played every position during his brief MLB career with the exception of catcher and played them well enough to earn an NL Gold Glove last year. Recently, though, he has elevated his offensive production to such an extent, it's time to at least entertain the possibility of signing him to a long-term deal.

The Marlins subtly gave him a vote of confidence around the midpoint of this season. Designating Christopher Morel for assignment on June 21 and optioning Connor Norby to Triple-A Jacksonville on June 25 turned Sanoja into an indispensable right-handed bat. That's despite him having barely provided replacement-level performance.

Well, since June 25, Sanoja has been one of the best players in baseball. He is slashing .327/.366/.514 with a 141 wRC+ and just as many walks as strikeouts. During this half-season heater, he leads all Marlins with 2.1 fWAR and ranks tied for 18th among MLB position players. You're not gonna believe the names he is tied with: Yordan Alvarez, Randy Arozarena, Caleb Durbin, Jackson Merrill and Bobby Witt Jr.

Alvarez, Merrill and Witt each received north of $100 million guaranteed on their respective contract extensions, while Arozarena is a candidate to crack nine figures in free agency this offseason. It should go without saying, Sanoja isn't in the same ballpark as them. Still, perhaps there is a room for he and the Marlins to reach a compromise.

Due to his lack of size and physical projection, Sanoja received a modest $100k signing bonus from the Fish in 2019. He does not become eligible for arbitration for the first time until after next season. The idea of securing a lifetime of financial security now at 24 years old ought to be tempting. From the club's perspective, Sanoja is a malleable piece with a high floor. There are several ways for him to fit into their future plans, whether it be roaming around the diamond, filling their void at third base or supplanting Xavier Edwards at second base. Without an extension, he's on track to reach free agency after his age-27 season, when he should still be in his prime.

The most appropriate starting point for a Sanoja contract negotiation is David Fletcher's 2021 extension with the Los Angeles Angels. Remarkably similar player profiles: elite contact ability and limited raw power from the right side with solid-to-great defense at various positions.

Fletcher signed for five years and $26 million with two club options on the back end. He had roughly the same amount of MLB service time as Sanoja does, but was two-plus years older.

Fletcher appeared to be a slightly better and safer player than Sanoja is currently. However, the age difference between them and the contract inflation we've seen around the league since 2021 should give Sanoja leverage to command a larger payout.

Earlier this year, Luis Lara signed a pre-debut extension with the Milwaukee Brewers. The terms: seven years, $31 million with three club options.

A rookie at age 21, Lara is more comparable to Sanoja age-wise. He's only experienced in the outfield, but has a more advanced plate approach. Like Sanoja, he was overlooked by evaluators deep into his minor league career, never cracking mainstream Top 100 MLB prospect lists.

My framework for a Javier Sanoja extension would look something like this:

• Five years, $36 million with two club options
  • $3M in 2027
  • $5M in 2028
  • $7M in 2029
  • $9M in 2030
  • $11M in 2031
  • $12M club option in 2032 ($1M buyout)
  • $13M club option in 2033 ($1M buyout)

There's risk for both sides. The Marlins easily get their money's worth if Sanoja is an average and durable regular in their lineup. If both options are exercised, they'll be obtaining three extra years of control over him. On the other hand, Sanoja might never replicate his 2026 results due to his aggressiveness and weak batted-ball quality. Just look at how Fletcher's career fell off—he still had nearly three full years left on his deal when the Angels exiled him to the minors.

View full article

[Jose Herrera]

Great article @Ely Sussman. I was thrilled when you mentioned Luis Lara and his contract extension.

However right now I would rather us spend money first on proven older veterans like Kyle Stowers, Otto Lopez, Sandy Alcantara & X this offseason. If one of those position players plays hardball then see if Javy is interested.

 

[One Regend]

1 hour ago, Jose Herrera said:

Great article @Ely Sussman. I was thrilled when you mentioned Luis Lara and his contract extension.

However right now I would rather us spend money first on proven older veterans like Kyle Stowers, Otto Lopez, Sandy Alcantara & X this offseason. If one of those position players plays hardball then see if Javy is interested.

 

Otto Lopez needs to happen. His market value is probably back where it was before this season due to his awful second half. This is a good opportunity to sign him long-term.