One Start Doesn't Change Everything, But Trevor Rogers' 2025 Debut Stings a Little

It was only one start. That's what I kept telling myself while watching Trevor Rogers carve up the Red Sox on Saturday night in Game 2 of a doubleheader. But man, it looked a lot like 2021 Trevor again–tall and linky lefty, late life on the fastball, and offspeed pitches that were dancing through the zone. He went 6.1 scoreless innings in his 2025 debut with Baltimore, allowing just two hits, striking out five batters, and walking none, just like old times.

As a Marlins fan, it's bittersweet. We've waited so long for Rogers to return to form after back-to-back years of injuries, inconsistencies, and what felt like a total loss of confidence. And of course, the season after we trade him–bam. He's pumping 92-95 again, mixing in the slider, and looking like the guy who earned an All-Star nod back in 2021.

Looking Forward, Not Backward–Hopefully

That said, this trade wasn't just a salary dump or a lost cause. Miami brought in two controllable, MLB-ready bats in Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers. Norby is not flashy, but he grinds out AB's–high-contact bat, quick hands, and sneaky power for his size.

Since coming over, he's gotten extensive playing time in the majors, something he wouldn't have gotten for another few years in Baltimore. Stowers, on the other hand, is streaky, but he has brought something over that the Marlins have desperately needed: left-handed power. He's already flashed it this season, with 10 HR and 31 RBI in his first 166 at-bats this season. If he continues this consistency, he could be a solid platoon piece–or an everyday corner outfielder in Miami.

Still, watching Rogers dominate in a new uniform makes it hard not to feel a little frustrated. He was supposed to be a part of our next contending rotation–Sandy, Eury, Max Meyer, and Rogers. However, injuries have derailed that dream, and sometimes a change of scenery really is the best medicine–it was for Kyle Stowers and Connor Norby.

Maybe Baltimore figured out something with his mechanics, or maybe he just needed a fresh start with a new club.

Whatever it is, Saturday night was a reminder of what could've been. But if Norby becomes an everyday third baseman and Stowers hits 20-25 homers a year, then maybe Miami won't be walking away empty-handed.

Still, I'll be watching Rogers a little more closely now–from a distance–and hoping this trade truly does become one of those rare "wins" for both teams. But yeah...one start into 2025, and it doesn't feel great.