Finding the Next Luis for the Miami Marlins: Xavier Edwards

Xavier Edwards: The New Contact King?

Amidst the turmoil of the Miami Marlins' disappointing 2024 season, a bright spot emerged in the form of Xavier Edwards.

In his breakout year, Edwards showcased remarkable contact skills, hitting .328 with an in-zone contact rate of 89.7%. While not quite on par with Luis Arraez's otherworldly 96.4% rate, his ability to put the bat on the ball consistently is a valuable asset.

Speed Rush and Baserunning Prowess

Edwards' speed and baserunning abilities are equally impressive. In just half a season, he stole 31 bases in 35 attempts, a phenomenal success rate. His 6.2 runs of baserunning value placed him among the elite in baseball regardless of playing time.

The Catches: Defense and Power

Unfortunately, there are a few "catches" to Edwards' game.

Defensively, he struggles at shortstop, ranking near the bottom of qualified shortstops in OAA. A move to second base seems more suitable.

Edwards also lacks power, with a low .094 ISO and just one home run in 2024. While he hits a lot of line drives, his exit velocity data suggests he doesn't hit the ball hard consistently.

Realistic Expectations: A Luis Castillo Clone?

Despite the caveats, Edwards' projections offer a more realistic picture of his potential.

He's more likely to bat in the high .200s with a walk rate in the low double digits, minimal power, and 30-60 steals per year. These characteristics bear a striking resemblance to Luis Castillo, who played second base for the Marlins for a decade.

Castillo made three All-Star teams and was a key contributor to the Marlins' World Series victory in 2003. He embodies the type of productive but unspectacular player that could fill a valuable role in Miami's lineup.

The Final Frontier

If the Marlins can find their next generational stars in the mold of the 2003 World Series team, Edwards has the potential to become a modern-day Luis Castillo. With his contact skills, speed, and baserunning prowess, he could be the spark that ignites a new era of success in Miami.