Marlins' Catching Conundrum: Ramirez vs. Mack

0:00On April 28th, Augustine Ramirez had the worst defense among Major League catchers last year, leading with 10 errors and 19 pass balls despite, catching way fewer innings than guys like J.T. Ramuto. Advanced stats backed it up, with him dead last in defensive runs saved and framing value across most sites. The Marlins know his minor league bad is solid, but they're still giving him big league time this season. They've paired him with Liam Hicks, splitting innings almost evenly at around 120 each so far. Ramirez's offense hasn't clicked yet, sitting at 235 batting average in 84 weighted runs created plus career wide. Meanwhile, top prospect Joe Mack crushed Triple A last year with a 107 weighted runs created plus and got protected on the 40 man roster. Fans and analysts are scratching their heads because Mack's glove is elite and the Marlins got torched on the bases last year, allowing 100. 91 steals, the most in baseball. This year, they've already given up 37, catching just 3. Neither catcher shines at throwing

1:04outrunners, hurting the pitching staff big time. Mack keeps raking in Jacksonville this season, posting a 115 weighted runs created plus, with a sky high 19.3% walk rate and 83 played appearances. Ramirez could slide to first base or designated hitter, where the Marlins are dismal at 47 weighted runs created plus, freeing him to focus, on hitting without the rigors of catching. With the Phillies in Met Stumbling at 9 and 19, Miami's 13 and 15 start has them in striking distance for a wild car push. Calling up Mack now upgrades the defense instantly and sets up Ramirez for a better role, positioning the fish to ride this unexpected division window. All the way. That's your update from MLB News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story.