Nick Fortes is the unquestioned starter for the Miami Marlins at catcher this year heading into the regular season. The Cuban-American backstop is looking to build on a second half of last season that saw him hit .290 with two longballs and 14 runs batted in over that span, while also playing some solid defense.
Heading into his fifth season with the team expect Fortes to take more of a leadership role with the fish. This spring Fortes is hitting .250 with a homer and three RBIs in preparation for an expanded role this campaign. With a fairly young team the
In a season that as experience to be a dark one, Fortes is looking to be a bright spot for Miami and entrench himself as the team’s franchise catcher for years to come for the Marlins. Over his career with the team he slashes .222/.275/.318/.577 with 23 homeruns and 86 runs batted in.
Nick, you’re the unquestioned starter going into the season. What has that done for your confidence?
I mean, it’s felt good. My work doesn’t change. I go through my same process every spring and every day, but it definitely feels nice. But like I said, it doesn’t really change anything that I do.
What have you done in the spring to build on that great second half you had last year?
Just trying to build off of it. I mean, I know it sounds simple, but it’s just, you try to take what works for you expand upon it and try to get it more consistent so that you can come into the season with that same feel that you left with. I felt pretty good in spring, so, yeah, I’m excited to start up.
You’re heading into your fifth year with the team and this is a very young team. Are you going to fill the role of veteran leadership?
You know, I’d like to. I don’t think leadership is a title, I think it’s a behavior. So it all just comes down to leading by example and, you know, being the same guy day in and day out whether times are good or bad. So, yeah, I would definitely like to take more of a leadership role.
Have you had any advice for the younger players heading into the season?
You know, I’m here for any of the young guys with whatever they need, especially Liam. You know, he’s my counterpart and, you know, it reminds me of the days when I was, you know, first coming up and I had Jacob Stallings here to help me. So, yeah, I’d like to be, you know, a mentor in any way that I can to any of the young guys.
Do you have any goals for the upcoming season?
Honestly, I don’t have any numerical goals. I like to keep those close to my chest. But yeah, I definitely have a lot of goals and I’m excited to get started.