The Miami Marlins' decision to stick with Agustín Ramírez as their primary catcher is a perplexing one, given his abysmal defensive performance last season. While Ramírez's hitting prowess in the minors is undeniable, his struggles behind the plate have been a recurring issue. With one of the top catching prospects, Joe Mack, knocking on the door, the Marlins have an opportunity to make a change that could significantly impact their chances of contending this year.
Ramírez's defensive shortcomings were starkly exposed in 2025. He led the majors in errors with ten, allowing 19 passed balls and 36 wild pitches. These statistics paint a picture of a catcher who is struggling to control the game behind the plate. The advanced metrics further emphasize his poor performance, with a Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) rating of minus-14 and a Fielding Run Value (FRV) of minus-12. These numbers are a stark contrast to those of other catchers in the league, highlighting the need for a change.
What makes this situation even more intriguing is the presence of Mack, a highly touted catching prospect. Mack's defense is considered strong, and his offensive capabilities, though not as impressive, are still noteworthy. His performance in the minors has been solid, and his addition to the 40-man roster in November suggests the Marlins' belief in his potential. The question then arises: why haven't the Marlins made the switch?
One possible explanation lies in service time considerations. Mack is a top 100 prospect, and the Marlins could have promoted him to the Opening Day roster, potentially earning a bonus draft pick. However, they opted not to do so, which raises questions about their long-term strategy. The Marlins' decision to keep Mack in the minors could be a calculated move to avoid the prospect promotion incentive (PPI) and the potential downside of losing control over him.
However, the Marlins' decision to stick with Ramírez has consequences. His continued struggles behind the plate impact their pitchers' performance, as they allow a high number of stolen bases. The Marlins' pitchers are struggling to control the running game, which is a direct result of the poor defensive play at the catcher's position. This is a critical area where Mack could provide an upgrade, as his strong defensive skills would help stabilize the pitching staff.
Furthermore, the Marlins' offensive struggles could be alleviated by moving Ramírez to a bat-first role. His hitting prowess in the minors has been impressive, and his performance in the majors, though not stellar, is still respectable. By shifting his focus to hitting, Ramírez could become a valuable asset to the team, providing depth and offensive production.
In conclusion, the Marlins' decision to stick with Ramírez is a puzzling one, given the clear need for an upgrade behind the plate. With Mack's potential to provide strong defense and the possibility of Ramírez's offensive skills shining in a bat-first role, the Marlins have an opportunity to make a change that could significantly impact their chances of contending this year. It remains to be seen whether they will take the plunge and make the necessary move, but the signs point to a change being in the cards.
