Connor Norby likely out until September following hamate surgery

So many spots on the diamond were unsettled for the Miami Marlins entering the 2025 season. Third base actually looked like one of the few exceptions—Connor Norby showed a lot of upside offensively after being acquired at last year's trade deadline and had the strong work ethic to gradually improve his defense at the hot corner. Instead, the 25-year-old has been among the weakest links on Miami's roster.

Norby will have limited reps to rebound from a mediocre first half. As initially reported by FanDuel Sports Network Florida's Craig Mish, he underwent surgery Wednesday on a broken left hamate bone. The procedure will keep him out for 6-8 weeks.

In 72 games this season, Norby is slashing .241/.289/.364 with a 81 wRC+, six home runs and seven stolen bases. Combined with below-average defense, he's been essentially a replacement-level player (0.2 fWAR/0.1 bWAR). In particular, his production against secondary stuff has plummeted—Norby has homered only once off of breaking pitches and offspeed pitches, slugging .250 and .242 against them, respectively.

On the bright side, Norby is making about as much hard, in-the-air contact as he previously did. His expected weight on-base average is practically unchanged from last season and he had recorded hits in five straight games prior to landing on the injured list. Better results were likely right around the corner.

Still, Norby's long-term fit with the Marlins is hazy. Even in a best-case scenario where he is reinstated in late August, he'd have 100 plate appearances or so to impress. His natural position, second base, is occupied by Xavier Edwards. "Norby is expected to be given a chance to compete for the starting third base job next season, though the Marlins likely will bring in competition," according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Graham Pauley filled in at third for the first three weeks of the season while Norby recovered from an oblique strain. He'll get a more extended runway this time around. Pauley had a .260/.340/.496 slash line (123 wRC+) in 34 games with Triple-A Jacksonville, but a meager .200/.258/.271 slash line (47 wRC+) in 29 games for the Fish. Pauley brings better defense and plate discipline then Norby—this is his chance to show enough aptitude as a run producer to be taken seriously as a potential big league regular.

Expect to see Javier Sanoja make starts at third against most left-handed pitchers. Elsewhere on Miami's active roster, Eric Wagaman and Otto Lopez can play the position in emergency situations.