Marlins' Defensive Woes Allow Stolen Bases to Pile Up

Reds and Yankees take advantage of Miami's catching issues

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:11pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a baseball game, with players in motion and base paths criss-crossing in an abstract, deconstructed style.A cubist interpretation of the Marlins' defensive struggles, as opposing players successfully steal bases against their overwhelmed catchers and pitchers.Atlanta Today

The Miami Marlins have struggled mightily to control the running game so far this season, allowing the most stolen bases in MLB. Their catchers have had trouble throwing out would-be base stealers, and their pitchers have not been holding runners on effectively. This has led to a string of successful stolen base attempts by opponents, including some unlikely culprits like Giancarlo Stanton.

Why it matters

The Marlins' defensive issues behind the plate and on the mound have been a major factor in their early-season struggles. Their inability to limit stolen bases has directly contributed to some close losses, and it's an area they'll need to shore up if they want to compete in the NL East.

The details

In their past two games against the Reds, the Marlins allowed five successful stolen base attempts out of six tries. Catcher Agustín Ramírez has struggled mightily, catching just 25% of would-be base stealers so far this season after catching only 9% last year. This defensive vulnerability was on full display in the Marlins' loss to the Reds on Tuesday, when a double steal by Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz led to the tying runs scoring in the 9th inning. The Marlins have also been victimized by the slow-footed Giancarlo Stanton, who stole a base against them for the first time since 2020. Overall, the Marlins have allowed the most stolen bases in MLB so far this season, and they have a tough road trip coming up against the Tigers and Braves, two teams with plenty of speed.

  • The Marlins have allowed the most stolen bases in MLB through the first 11 games of the season.
  • In their past two games against the Reds, the Marlins allowed five successful stolen base attempts out of six tries.
  • Giancarlo Stanton stole a base against the Marlins, his first stolen base since 2020.

The players

Agustín Ramírez

The Marlins' catcher has struggled mightily to throw out would-be base stealers, catching just 25% of runners so far this season after catching only 9% last year.

Sandy Alcantara

The Marlins' ace pitcher was victimized by a double steal in the 9th inning of Tuesday's loss to the Reds, leading to the tying runs scoring.

Giancarlo Stanton

The notoriously slow-footed Yankees slugger was able to steal a base against the Marlins, his first stolen base since 2020.

Matt McLain

The Reds' rookie infielder executed a successful double steal with Elly De La Cruz in the 9th inning against the Marlins.

Elly De La Cruz

The Reds' top prospect also participated in the successful double steal against the Marlins in the 9th inning.

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What’s next

The Marlins will look to shore up their defense and control of the running game as they head out on a tough road trip to face the Tigers and Braves, two teams with plenty of speed threats.

The takeaway

The Marlins' defensive issues behind the plate and on the mound have been a major factor in their early-season struggles, and they'll need to find a way to limit stolen bases if they want to compete in the NL East.