Kyle Stowers continues to stand out as the season’s biggest fWAR gainer, a testament to a dramatic power surge and improved hitting that has redefined his trajectory with the Marlins.
Last season, Stowers managed just three homers over 69 games, and his first 50 games after being traded to Miami were notably rough. Yet through Aug. 17 of the current year, he has flipped the script in a big way. He was already shaping into a season-long contributor before landing on the injured list with a left oblique issue, hitting .288/.368/.544 with 25 home runs at the time of his IL placement.
Looking ahead, ZiPS offered an optimistic projection for 2025, estimating 17 homers and a .233/.310/.420 line for Stowers. Those numbers undersell the impact he’s already shown when healthy, and his current track record suggests he could be a key piece for the Marlins if he returns before season’s end.
One notable indicator of his improvement is his pulled airball rate, which jumped from 10.1% in 2024 to 23.7% this year. That spike highlights a significant shift in contact and power production, aligning with the surge in his home run total and overall offensive value.
Most importantly, Stowers is expected back from his left oblique injury before the season ends. Even if the return doesn’t go exactly to plan, his demonstrated ability to hit for both average and power gives the Marlins reason to be encouraged about his role in 2025 and beyond.
What to watch:
– Return timeline: How quickly Stowers reoccupies a regular role in the lineup and how he looks immediately upon returning.
– Power and contact balance: Whether the current power spike is sustainable and how his plate discipline translates against fresh pitching.
– Team impact: The degree to which Stowers’ presence fuels Miami’s offense down the stretch.
Summary: Stowers has evolved from a rough stretch after the trade into a breakout contributor who flashed elite power and on-base ability. His return from the oblique injury will be watched closely, but his recent performance provides a hopeful signal for continued production and value for both the Marlins and fantasy managers alike.