Miami Marlins’ Rookie Shortstop Xavier Edwards Hits for the Cycle, Becomes Third Player in MLB to Achieve Feat This Season
In a thrilling performance, Miami Marlins’ rookie shortstop Xavier Edwards became the third player in Major League Baseball to hit for the cycle this season. Edwards accomplished the feat in Sunday’s 6-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, marking a significant milestone in his young career.
Edwards started his breakout day with a flourish, hitting the first pitch of the game for a home run off Tobias Myers. That was the first home run of his major-league career (and only his 14th in professional baseball). He followed that up with a double in the fifth inning and a triple in the seventh before completing the cycle by beating out a ninth-inning infield single. Adding a third-inning walk, Edwards reached base five times on Sunday.
The 22-year-old rookie is now hitting.379 with a.956 OPS, and his impressive performance has earned him regular playing time as the Marlins’ everyday shortstop. Edwards took over the position in June, replacing the disappointing Tim Anderson, who was batting.214 with a.463 OPS. Anderson was designated for assignment in July, making Edwards the clear starter.
Edwards’ cycle is the second in Marlins franchise history, joining Luis Arraez in an exclusive club. He is also the second rookie to achieve the feat this season, following the Texas Rangers’ Wyatt Langford and Yordan Álvarez of the Houston Astros.
After the 4-for-4 day, Edwards is batting.379 with a.956 OPS. His impressive start to the season has made him a fan favorite, and his future looks bright for the Marlins.