Offishial News: Can custom throwing program turn Xavier Edwards into viable shortstop?

Marlins Opening Day is 73 days away.

More Marlins news and content below:

🔷 RHP Adriano Marrero is expected to be the first Cuban player included in the Marlins' 2025 international signing class, Francys Romero reports. The 17-year-old has generated interest with the high spin rate of his pitches. His fastball velocity currently sits in the low 90s. Marrero previously had a verbal agreement with the Astros that fell through. If a deal gets done, this would be the fourth time in the last five signing periods that the Marlins have acquired Cuban talent. A reminder that the new signing period gets underway on Wednesday!

🔷 Troy Johnston is slashing .289/.357/.500 during the Dominican Winter League Round Robin, including a .469 OBP during his current seven-game on-base streak. His Tigres del Licey team has LIDOM's best record so far in the Round Robin as they pursue a third consecutive league championship.

🔷 Xavier Edwards reflected on his seventh annual youth baseball camp with MLB.com's Christina De Nicola. This offseason, Edwards says his arm is the "best it's felt in years" after following a throwing program created by Marlins director of catching Maxx Garrett. He has changed his grip and release and practiced using it four to five days a week. In 2024, Edwards ranked 49th in arm strength velocity out of 52 MLB shortstops who made at least 100 throws, and accuracy was an issue as well. He'll have to demonstrate improvement in that department this season to solidify himself as the team's primary shortstop.

🔷 Miami's new hitting coach, Pedro Guerrero, explained on the Marlins Hot Stove Show how he wants to leverage technology to help players distinguish balls from strikes. The Marlins posted the highest (worst) chase rate in the majors last year.

🔷 Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium held its annual Fan Fest on Saturday. Ethan Eibe updated the progress of their renovations, including the patch of foul territory where the Marlins bullpen used to be (it's being moved behind the outfield wall).

🔷 The Marlins are currently accepting applications for 25 positions, including those related to analytics, ticket sales and player education.

🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, old friend Garrett Cooper signed a minor league deal with the Braves. In the last 18 months, Coop has cycled through six different MLB organizations (the Marlins, Padres, Cubs, Red Sox, Orioles and now Atlanta).

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