Xavier Edwards DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Miami Marlins shortstop Xavier Edwards said on Friday that his goal in 2025 is to "swipe 60 bags." In only 70 games for the Marlins last year, Edwards went 31-for-35 in stolen bases, so it's certainly possible for him to reach the 60-steal mark if he can stay healthy over the course of a full 162-game season. Overall in his second year in the big leagues in 2024, the 25-year-old infielder hit .328/.397/.423 with an .820 OPS, only one home run, 26 RBI and 39 runs scored to go with his 31 steals. The lack of power from the premium position certainly hurts in fantasy, but Edwards can be useful in category leagues for his contact skills and speed. RotoBaller has him listed in the fifth tier among shortstops at No. 17, just ahead of Boston's Trevor Story. Edwards can also be an asset in on-base-percentage leagues if he continues to take his walks.

Miami Marlins shortstop Xavier Edwards (shoulder), who had a breakout season in 2024, worked hard this offseason on his right-shoulder strength after suffering a shoulder impingement in 2022. The injury has affected the velocity and accuracy on his throws from the left side of the infield. But the 25-year-old was given a detailed throwing program this offseason and has been making 35-40 throws four to five days a week for the last seven weeks. Edwards changed his grip and release to get more backspin and carry on his throws. "Best it's felt in years," Edwards said. "It's not bothering me to throw at all, so it's quite nice to throw a baseball without pain. I get to really think about my mechanics and what I want out of it." Offensively, he slashed an impressive .328/.397/.423 with 31 steals in 70 games in 2024. However, his lack of power (only one homer) limits his fantasy upside in mixed leagues.

Miami Marlins shortstop Xavier Edwards' speed was on full display in Friday's 15-5 win over the Blue Jays, setting a Marlins franchise record with three triples in a single game. The 25-year-old finished the day 4-for-6 from the plate, with four RBI and two runs scored. It was Edwards' fourth straight multi-hit game, putting an exclamation point on the end of his breakout campaign, with the switch-hitter putting up some impressive numbers in just 68 games played. The 38th-overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft tallied a .327-1-26-37-31 line with a .357 wOBA and 127 wRC+ over 294 plate appearances -- that's a 63-steal pace with 600 plate appearances. He'll be an intriguing fantasy asset in drafts next season with that type of speed and batting average.