Catching Up to Reality: Nick Fortes' Time in Miami is Nearing Its End

Nick Fortes has been here before–fighting to prove he belongs. But this time, the hill feels steeper, and the clock is ticking faster than ever before in his career.

It's been a rough season for the 28-year-old Marlins catcher, who's quickly becoming the odd man out in a reshaped Miami backstop room. With both Liam Hicks and Agustin Ramirez now on the big league roster, Fortes' role has shifted from "starting catcher" to "only catching for specific pitchers on the staff"–and that's a polite way of saying he's probably the next guy out.

Through late May, Fortes has posted a bleak .190/.242/.310 slash line, managing just one home run and a .552 OPS. For a team desperately trying to inject life into its offense, his production simply hasn't been sustainable–no matter how solid his pitch framing or occasional defensive flashes may be. He hasn't thrown out many base runners, and that's not enough to compensate for an almost non-existent offensive presence.

The Future Is Now: Hicks and Ramirez Have Arrived

Liam Hicks, the left-handed hitter acquired from Texas in the offseason, has quickly carved out a wonderful opportunity for himself in Miami. He’s brought poise behind the plate, steady contact at the dish, and a calming presence with the pitching staff. His .275 average and .350 OBP through his first 34 games in the majors are a breath of fresh air for a club used to automatic outs at the bottom of the lineup.

Meanwhile, Agustín Ramírez has lived up to the hype. The 23-year-old former top prospect got the call in late April and wasted no time showing what he can do. Through 126 at-bats, he’s hit .254 with 7 homers and a .508 slugging percentage, flashing the raw power that made him a name to watch in the system. While he’s still learning the ropes defensively, his bat is simply too good to keep on the bench, especially on a team that needs all the run production it can get.

And just like that, Fortes has become expendable.

A Deadline Decision or DFA Incoming?

The Marlins are approaching a fork in the road, and Fortes' path seems headed toward the exit. It’s unlikely there’s much of a trade market for a catcher hitting below .200, but Miami could try to attach him to a minor deal before the deadline. If that fails, a DFA seems inevitable once the team needs an extra bullpen arm or bench bat.

It’s a tough break for Fortes, who’s been with the organization since 2019 (Jupiter Hammerheads) and earned his spot in the big leagues, the hard way. But the big leagues are about results, and the Marlins—now armed with two younger, more dynamic catchers—have little room for sentiment.

The Marlins’ catching core has officially moved into a new era. Hicks brings the discipline and leadership. Ramírez brings the thump. Fortes, once a key part of Miami’s transition plan, is now just waiting for the inevitable.

Sometimes, baseball’s cruelty comes not in a trade or a demotion—but in being left behind.