The Miami Marlins, while unlikely to make the playoffs this year, have discovered a promising cornerstone in Xavier Edwards, who is showcasing exceptional batting skills in the 2025 MLB season. Edwards, the infielder for the Marlins, has emerged as a top hitter in the National League, with his strong batting performance highlighting his breakout campaign.
Xavier Edwards Establishes Himself as One of the NL’s Best Hitters
Entering the matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, Edwards held an impressive batting average of .305, placing him second in the National League, trailing only Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Beyond batting average, Edwards maintains a slash line of .305/.364/.372, complementing his .736 OPS, reflecting consistent offensive contributions. While he has only recorded one home run, Edwards has displayed gap power through 19 doubles and three triples.
Despite a recent downturn in the team’s performance, Edwards has sustained his offensive momentum. Over his last 15 games, the switch-hitter posted an on-base percentage (OBP) of .368 and extended his hitting streak to seven games during the series opener against the Guardians. These figures emphasize his continued reliability at the plate amid the team’s challenges.
From Utility Player to Everyday Second Baseman
Edwards’ path to becoming a core player for the Marlins was gradual, with his early career seeing him utilized as a utility player covering center field, shortstop, and other positions. This versatility limited his offensive emergence, but since settling into the role of Miami’s regular second baseman at the end of May, his performance has markedly improved.
Since May 31, Edwards boasts a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 128 and a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 2.0, ranking him second among all National League second basemen, just behind Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte. These statistics indicate his rising value within his position both offensively and overall.
The Impact and Future Role for Edwards on the Miami Marlins
With his demonstrated batting prowess and ability to handle multiple positions, Edwards looks poised to become a foundational player for the Marlins as they continue their rebuilding phase. His potential as a leading offensive threat and a dependable lead-off hitter makes him a crucial figure in Miami’s aspirations to return to playoff contention in future seasons.