How Xavier Edwards has proven me wrong

A core philosophical tenet of mine is that we're all capable of change. It does a disservice to the willpower and intellectual capacity of human beings to assume their present flaws will continue to define them. 

That applies to baseball as well and specifically my views on Xavier Edwards, the ballplayer. As recently as late May, I was under the impression that Edwards was an overall liability to Miami's competitive aspirations.

Over his first 42 games played this season before a mid-back injury sent him to the injured list, Edwards' 79 wRC+ and .292 SLG ranked 23rd and 24th, respectively, among the 24 MLB hitters with at least 190 plate appearances to that point. The latter figure was not particularly surprisingly considering his minor league track record—the short switch-hitter had homered in only .68% of his MiLB plate appearances. 

One could look past Edwards' lack of power when he was running better-than-average strikeout and walk rates with 70-grade speed. 

Where I really took umbrage with Edwards' game was on defense. While primarily a second baseman in the minors, Edwards began auditioning at shortstop during Miami's 100-loss 2024. With the presumption that the 2025 season would also prioritize development over competitiveness, he was basically awarded the job entering the new year. 

The idea of Edwards at SS looked doomed from the start. With frequent weak, inaccurate throws and awkward footwork, there were no indications that he would convert enough plays there to stick there. The comparison between Edwards and Otto Lopez, even in a brief sample, was night and day.

The numbers were just as unflattering as the viewing experience. In 69 games to end the 2024 season, Edwards graded out at minus-14 total zone runs and minus-8 defensive runs saved. His minus-10 outs above average (OAA) placed him 33rd among the 34 players with at least 200 chances at shortstop that season.

Despite the narrative that an offseason throwing program would address his main deficiency, the first quarter of 2025 was a continuation of what we had previously seen (-7 OAA).

In a vacuum, the next step seemed obvious: move Edwards back to his natural second base position. However, why would the Marlins tinker with Lopez, who had amassed 14 defensive runs saved there between 2024 and 2025? Thankfully, Lopez had versatility in his background, including 52 innings of commendable play at shortstop the previous year.

Upon returning from the injured list on May 31, Edwards would pinch-hit and finish the game at second, while Lopez became the club's primary shortstop. 

From there on out, Edwards took off.

There have been 26 qualified MLB second basemen since that final May day. Edwards ranks fourth among them in wRC+ (132) and third in fWAR (2.3 fWAR). He's simply performing at an elite level.

Edwards' elusive first home run of the year came on July 12. Specifically during the span of games from that point forward, he has recorded more extra-base hits (13) than strikeouts (12). While the Marlins' batting order has been in constant flux, he has entrenched himself in the leadoff spot.

The shift in Edwards' defensive quality was apparent instantaneously. He could one day threaten for a Gold Glove on the right side of the diamond. At 2B in 2025, Edwards has been plus-4 total zone runs, plus-seven OAA and plus-seven DRS.

The position swap was mutually beneficial. Lopez's play improved as well, as his elite defensive metrics transitioned seamlessly to shortstop (5 DRS), along with a modest uptick in his production at the plate.

As for the Marlins collectively, since May 31, they're 35-31, an 86-win pace over a full season. Improved play in multiple aspects only forces us to ponder the question of where Miami would be if it had gone with such a defensive alignment all along.

Regardless of where their future fortunes may lie, if he keeps up this type of play, Xavier Edwards is who I want manning second base for the Miami Marlins moving forward.