Miami Marlins fans feel a familiar frustration bubbling up early in the 2025 season, watching their team stumble to an 8-11 record by mid-April.. The team still struggles with inconsistent hitting and an offense that often feels feeble. Watching the Fish battle to put runs on the board is a good test of patience, even among die-hard fans. Now, in the face of these offensive struggles, management seems to be prepared to mix things up with a bit of an unexpected roster move.
Let’s be blunt: Miami has struggled mightily to score runs consistently this season. While their .256 team batting average ranked a respectable 6th in MLB, converting baserunners to runs was a struggle. In 19 games, Miami averaged only 4.35 runs per game (18th). They managed just 15 home runs (T-25th) and posted a .373 slugging percentage (22nd). This power deficit resulted in a poor -18 run differential (25th) and showcases their core offensive incompetency: contact without impact.
Then, overnight, news emerged that seemed to answer these challenges directly. A MLB Insider, Héctor Gómez, tweeted out the straightforward: “Ronny Simon is being called up.” So, who is this possible spark plug for the struggling Marlins? Ronny Simon is a 25-year-old switch-hitting utility player from La Romana, Dominican Republic. He provides defensive versatility, playing second base, shortstop, and even some left field. He had been in the Tampa Bay Rays system before Miami signed him as a minor league free agent.
Ronny Simon is being called up. https://t.co/mUqSmOzMDs
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) April 20, 2025
Still, the decision to promote Simon appeared “weird” and something unexpected. Why? He ranked only 50th on the Prospects1500 Marlins list, well behind infield prospects like Starlyn Caba (#5) and Jared Serna (#8). Promoting a low-ranked utility player doesn’t exactly help the power-starved roster either (ranking near the bottom in HR/SLG). There was such an intense early speculation that Simon was inactive that it only added to the weirdness of the move, considering the team’s immediate need for production.
However, injuries and Simon’s own recent performance provide important context. Third baseman Connor Norby was placed on the IL around March 22 (left oblique strain). Outfielder Derek Hill landed there on April 17 (left wrist sprain). And most importantly, Simon’s performance was on fire at Triple-A Jacksonville. He batted in his first 15 games, .354/. 441/. 521 (. 962 OPS) with four steals. That stellar showing comes on the heels of a strong 2024 AAA season (.283 AVG, 10 HR, 20 SB), earning his shot out of the way.
A deeper look at Miami’s inconsistent offensive output
And what’s more concerning? The Marlins’ lineup suffers from deeper issues, beginning with poor plate discipline. They had struck out 187 times through 20 games, one of the worst in the league. Data shows they swing at bad pitches outside the zone (31.1% O-Swing%, 2nd worst). They also let too many good pitches go by inside the zone (63.6% Z-Swing%, 5th worst). A high team whiff rate (27.9%) means a lot of swings and misses, delaying offensive threats before they start.
And the list is not ended here. They finished 27th in home runs last season and then traded power source Jake Burger. And that deficiency continues into 2025. Miami hitters were awful with runners in scoring position, hitting. 197 overall and. 158 with two outs. And they grounded into 23 double plays (most in MLB) through their first 19 games, consistently killing potential rallies and scoring chances.
Even as the team has struggled offensively, some individual bright spots offer a glimmer of hope. Xavier Edwards adds a dynamic presence to the lineup, slashing .332 with 31 steals since being recalled from Triple-A in July 2024. Otto Lopez offers elite second base defense, saving runs with his glove (strong DRS/OAA numbers). Pitcher Luarbert Arias shined in his historic debut (3 IP, 0 baserunners). These performances indicate that talent exists, just requiring consistency across the rest of the Miami roster.
Considering all the factors, the move feels less “weird” and more necessary. But it is not enough. The Marlins still desperately need more impact from their established hitters to turn their season around. But the question is: Can Miami find that offensive spark consistently before falling too far behind?
The post MLB News: Marlins Offensive Incompetency Triggers Weird Dominican Acquisition appeared first on EssentiallySports.