Get to Know #10: Otto Lopez

Everyone is wondering how the Miami Marlins are having such a good season since they have a record of 53-42, which is second place in the NL East. While there are many factors to this surge, one of them is Marlins All-Star shortstop, Otto Lopez. Let’s get into how good Lopez has been at the plate and on the field because I believe he is one of the most underrated shortstops in all of baseball.

All stats are as of Friday morning (7/9/26).

Pronunciation:
Ah-toe Lo-pez

Otto Lopez:
Full Name: Otto Ariel Lopez
Team: Miami Marlins
Positions: Shortstop (sometimes second base)
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5’10
Weight: 185lb
Born: October 1, 1998 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Age: 27 years old

2026 stats so far:
WAR: 4.6
AB: 365
H: 126
HR: 9
BA: .345
R: 60
RBI: 43
SB: 17
OBP: .375
SLG: .518
OPS: .893
OPS+: 150

WAR (Wins Above Replacement) from his first full MLB season until now:
2024: 2.8
2025: 3.6
2026: 4.6 (this season)

Teams and numbers:
2021: Blue Jays (number 72)
2022: Blue Jays (number 51)
2024: Marlins (number 61)
2025 - mid 2026: Marlins (number 6)

2026 salary:
$810,500

Injuries:
2023: Left groin soreness 
2023: Left oblique strain
2024: Lower back inflammation
2025: Right ankle sprain
2025: Illness
2026: Undisclosed day-to-day injury

Awards:
2018: NWL League Post-Season All-Star
2019: MiLB.com Organization All-Star
2022: INT League Player of the Week
2026: NL Player of the Week
2026: NL All-Star

My thoughts:
In my opinion, Otto Lopez’s breakout is a huge reason why the Marlins are having such a surprisingly explosive year. Pair that with his WAR, which keeps getting better every year, his ability to avoid long term injuries, and his stellar defense and he is the type of player you would happily add to your ball club. While he is not very talked about right now, I assume as he develops even more, he’ll become the new up and coming star middle infielder.

Thanks for reading!