Miami’s early roster moves point to Javier Sanoja as the favorite to start at third base and Agustín Ramírez as the backup catcher. The Marlins are also taking chances on versatile pitchers, while left-hander Andrew Nardi’s long-term injury could complicate roster decisions.

By the Numbers
  • Sanoja started 84 games at third base and hit .295 with a .458 slugging percentage and a 115 wRC+.
  • He played 144 games and hit 11 home runs, both career highs.
  • Ramírez went error-free with no passed balls in 50 innings across 11 games behind the plate after his return.
  • Nardi is expected to miss most or all of 2027 after left elbow surgery.
Yes, But

Sanoja’s starting role isn’t guaranteed: Miami could add a third baseman or trade another infielder. Ramírez showed improved defense, but his consistency remains a concern, and his 51.8% ground-ball rate limits the impact of his elite exit velocity.

State of Play
  • Sanoja enters Spring Training as the clear third-base favorite after former contenders Graham Pauley and Connor Norby left the roster.
  • Joe Mack and Ramírez are the only catchers on the 40-man roster; Mack is expected to handle most starts.
  • Nardi’s roster spot is in question as Miami weighs his recovery against the need to add prospects and bolster its bullpen.
What’s Next

Spring Training should clarify whether Miami sticks with Sanoja at third and Ramírez as Mack’s backup. The club will also have to decide whether to reserve a roster spot for Nardi while he recovers and whether to add another left-handed reliever.

Bottom Line

The roster moves signal a possible shift from experimenting to trusting Sanoja as an everyday player—but Miami still has key questions to resolve behind the plate and in the bullpen.