Otto Lopez is the Miami Marlins shortstop who has steadily built his MLB career since debuting on August 17, 2021. In 2026, the 27-year-old from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is putting together the best season of his career — batting .317 with a .816 OPS and 23 stolen bases — proving he belongs at the most demanding defensive position on the diamond.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Otto Lopez
- Position: Shortstop
- Team: Miami Marlins
- Jersey number: 6
- Bats / Throws: Right / Right
- Height / Weight: 5’10» / 185 lb
- Born: October 1, 1998 (age 27)
- Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
- MLB debut: August 17, 2021
Background
Lopez was born on October 1, 1998, in Santo Domingo — a city that has sent hundreds of baseball talents to the big leagues. After working his way through the minors, he made his MLB debut with the Marlins in August 2021, beginning a career that blends solid defense with steadily improving offense. A right-handed hitter and thrower, Lopez has grown more consistent with each passing season.
Professional Career
Lopez’s early years in Miami were about gaining experience and finding his footing at shortstop in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. He had stretches of strong and quiet production, but his glove and baserunning ability kept him in the lineup.
In 2024, he hit .270 with 6 home runs, 39 RBI, and 20 stolen bases — a solid, useful season. Then in 2025, he showed more pop with 15 home runs and 77 RBI, though his average dipped to .246.
2026 has been a different story entirely. Lopez is hitting .317 with 9 home runs, 53 RBI, 72 runs scored, a .816 OPS, and 23 stolen bases — the kind of all-around production the Marlins always believed he was capable of. His speed on the bases has been just as important as his bat, as he constantly creates opportunities and puts pressure on opposing defenses.
Career Stats
- 2026 – Miami Marlins: .317 AVG | 9 HR | 53 RBI | 72 R | .816 OPS | 23 SB
- 2025 – Miami Marlins: .246 AVG | 15 HR | 77 RBI | 66 R | .673 OPS | 15 SB
- 2024 – Miami Marlins: .270 AVG | 6 HR | 39 RBI | 49 R | .690 OPS | 20 SB
Awards and Recognition
Lopez hasn’t yet taken home a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger, but his 2026 performance has put him squarely in the conversation among the top shortstops in the game. His defensive reliability combined with his offensive breakout makes him one of the more intriguing players in Miami’s future plans.
Worth Knowing
Lopez is part of a generation of Dominican shortstops keeping the island’s tradition alive at a position that Caribbean talent has historically owned. His success in Miami is one more thread connecting Santo Domingo to the big leagues — and a source of inspiration for the next wave of young players dreaming of making it to the highest level of the sport.
