Xavier Edwards Hitting For The Cycle Is Just The Beginning to His Miami Marlins Career

July 28th, 2024 will be a day that Miami Marlins infielder Xavier Edwards will remember for the rest of his life.

 

On Sunday, he did something only one other Marlins player has done and that was hit for the cycle.

 

 

Edwards joined former Marlins player Luis Arráez, as the only two to achieve the milestone. Not only did Edwards hit for the cycle, but he also hit his first career home run as well.

 

What a day the 24-year-old had at the plate against the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

“It means a lot,” Edwards said. “I don’t think it’s really set in yet, but it’s pretty cool that I got my first homer to start the game, and then I got to cap it off with a single. I would have been pretty upset with myself if I didn’t hit a single. I usually spray a lot of singles, so I would’ve been pretty upset about not getting a single, so I’m really glad I did.”

 

It came down to the last out of the game for Edwards to get the cycle. On a 1-2 count from Brewers closer Devin Williams, Edwards hit a liner to the shortstop and utilized his speed to beat the throw for an infield single.

And Edwards led off the game, launching a solo shot to right field.

Read More: “I Want To Get Back To My Game” | Marlins Second Baseman Xavier Edwards Hoping To Make 26-Man Opening Day Roster | mlbbro.com

His teammate and MLBbro Josh Bell was proud of Edwards’ performance against the Brewers.

The Marlins placed Bell on waivers, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. Should his $16.5 million contract go through waivers unclaimed, he will remain in Miami. Heyman further notes that he has not been designated for assignment and could still be traded by Miami before the MLB Trade Deadline.

The 31-year-old Texas native has spent parts of the last two seasons with the Marlins. Bell is currently slashing .239/.305/.394 with 14 home runs, 49 runs batted in, and a .699 OPS in nearly 400 plate appearances. Additionally, the veteran first basemen has a negative WAR through 104 games this season.

 

 

“I couldn’t be happier for him, especially establishing himself as an everyday big leaguer, getting a chance and wanting to make the most of it,” Bell said. “I feel like he’s officially established with that.”

 

Edwards has been impressive at the plate this month as well. Through 78 at-bats, he’s hitting .397 with nine RBI.

 

In 25 games so far this season, he is carrying a .375 batting average and making a case to be an everyday player throughout the remainder of the season, especially now that Jazz Chisholm Jr. is no longer with the team.

 

Going into the season, Edwards had a good chance of making the Opening Day roster, but was sent to the injured list due to a left foot infection.

 

He made his season debut on June 7th against the Cleveland Guardians and went hitless in three at-bats. Edwards would then follow up with a hit in back-to-back games against the Guardians and went on an eight-game hitting streak.

 

 

 

The infielder made his MLB debut last season with the Marlins, and he appeared in 30 games, finishing with a .295 batting average. It was then that he started to gain some attention and display his talents on the big stage.

Edwards has the opportunity to make Miami his home and go on to have a productive career with the Marlins.

We will get to see if he can continue to build on this success he’s having at the plate, and he will certainly be a player to keep an eye out for as the season progresses.