Marlins Revolving Door at First Base Working After Christopher Morel’s Injury
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When the Miami Marlins signed Christopher Morel, the plan was to use him at first base, a position he had never played before.
Turns out he still hasn’t played the position. The oblique injury he suffered just before opening day threw the lineup for a loop. It got Owen Caissie into the lineup, which has been a boon. But it also got Connor Norby shifted to first base.
The position has become a revolving door for the Marlins. Connor Norby has started there three times. Deyvison De Los Santos has started there once, his only Major League game. Liam Hicks got his first start there on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox. Hicks has also played there due to position change, as has Griffin Conine.
So far, Miami is making it work.
Marlins at First Base After Five Games
MARLINS WIN!
— Marlins Radio Network (@MarlinsRadio) April 1, 2026
Miami moves to 4-1 for the first time since 2014. Liam Hicks collected his 8th RBI of the season in a 9-2 victory.
Hicks was with @SStrom_ after the win. pic.twitter.com/9PDGxvGA82
The Marlins beat the White Sox, 9-2, on Tuesday. The power came from all over the lineup, including Hicks. He went 1-for-3 with two RBI and two runs and a walk. That included his first double of the season. It boosted his batting average to .364 this season and helped the overall slash for himself and the rest of the first basemen so far this season.
Combined the position has slashed .235/.278/.412 with a walk and three doubles. Hicks was the first to drive in runs from the position this season.
Set against other players on the field, the slash doesn’t look great. But, with Morel out for several weeks and the Marlins still working through contingency plans, it’s acceptable through five games.
It also shows the position flex on this team. Hicks is a catcher and most cross-train and play first base. It’s a natural transition, especially later in a player’s career. Norby cross-trained at first base this offseason after the Marlins were concerned about his defensive progression at third base. But the ceiling on his bat is too much to ignore, so finding creative ways to get him in the lineup is critical. Norby played some left field in spring training when Kyle Stowers had a hamstring injury.
De Los Santos can play first and third base and has done so equally at the minor league level. He was optioned back to Triple-A after his MLB debut on Sunday. As for Conine, well he takes after his dad, Marlins legend Jeff Conine, which his ability to play outfield and first base.
Morel will return eventually. When he does, he’ll get his turn at the position he was singled out for this offseason. But for now, this carousel of first baseman is getting the job done for Miami after five games.
