MIAMI — Otto Lopez’s journey to his first All-Star Game appearance is one of perseverance, patience and making the most of a second chance.
The Miami Marlins infielder was named an All-Star for the first time this past weekend after a breakout season in which he has emerged as one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball.
Lopez, 27, entered the Marlins’ home stand against the Seattle Mariners batting .346, the highest average in the majors. He also leads baseball with 123 hits.
His path to an All-Star season was far from easy.
The Toronto Blue Jays designated Lopez for assignment in 2024 before he was traded to the San Francisco Giants for cash considerations. A month later, the Giants designated him for assignment again, and the Marlins claimed him off waivers in April 2024.
Now, more than two years later, Lopez is an All-Star.
“All the work that I mean in the past of my career, like I didn’t know that I was going to be an all-star,” Lopez said. “Of course, all the work it’s meant for something and at that moment, I just think I would just work harder just for that moment.”
Lopez reflected on the challenges he faced before reaching this point.
“I would say all the things that I’ve been through, the, the teams got down, they threw me away, I would say,” he said. “And being a star now, like, it means a lot.”
Lopez told Local 10’s Will Manso that he will share the All-Star experience with his parents, wife and young daughter.
After wondering if his baseball career might be over just a few years ago, Lopez now gets to represent the Marlins on one of baseball’s biggest stages.
The Marlins (49-42) will host the Seattle Mariners (47-44) at loanDepot Park at 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday.
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