Perseverance helped Otto Lopez make All-Star dream reality

HOUSTON – Ever since Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez could grab a bat or grip a baseball, he dreamed of becoming an All-Star in the major leagues. That dream wasn’t abandoned when Lopez and his family moved from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to Montreal. 

He played baseball in Montreal before he returned to the Dominican Republic with his uncle to play at a baseball academy and chase his All-Star dreams. The move was worth it. He signed as an amateur free agent with the Blue Jays at 17 years old in 2016. 

Lopez debuted in the majors with the Blue Jays in 2021. After one at game and one at-bat, though, he was demoted back to the minors. It wasn’t until he moved with the Marlins that his career took off. After a stellar first half of his third season in Miami, Lopez finally saw his lifelong dream came true in Philadelphia when he participated in the MLB All-Star Game. 

Lopez, who set a Marlins franchise record for most hits before the All-Star break with 127, entered the Midsummer Classic as a defensive substitution in the sixth inning. He struck out in his first at-bat. However, he ended his cherished night with a line drive single in the bottom of the ninth.

A first half from Otto Lopez unlike anything we've ever seen https://t.co/OaR6OKvEBR pic.twitter.com/Z2iIomHZGz

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 10, 2026

No fading dream

“It was phenomenal,” Lopez said. “It was something I longed for throughout my career. It’s a dream come true. I felt a variety of emotions seeing all the All-Stars. It was phenomenal. It’s not every day you get to face guys from many teams. But being together it was very significant.” 

Lopez spent eight seasons in the minors before becoming a staple in the Marlins lineup. Seven of those seasons were in the Blue Jays’ organization. Toronto designated him for assignment in 2023. The 5-foot-10 shortstop was then traded to the Giants, but he never made an appearance with them. After Lopez was waived by the Giants, the Marlins took a chance on him. It was well worth it. 

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In Miami, Lopez quickly established himself. He batted .270 with 23 doubles and 109 hits in 117 games in 2024. Giving his long trajectory to the majors, it was an emotional phone call with his family after he told them that he had been named an All-Star this season. It was a reminder of the hard work and perseverance he’d shown. 

“My wife and my parents were the first people I called when I found out,” he said. “My parents were really emotional. Their reactions when I told them were really emotional. They saw the entire process that I went through in my career, so they were excited for me.”  

All-Star adjustments

Otto Lopez made adjustments after a down season last year. He leads the majors in hits (130), doubles (27) and batting average (.332). His .866 OPS is key as the Marlins’ table-setter. 

Lopez, 27, was hurt in the second game after the All-Star break against the Brewers after a grounder hit his ring finger. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough was happy to have him back healthy Tuesday night against the Astros. 

“I’ve seen a lot of growth from (Lopez),” McCullough said. “As a player this year he’s done a better job of managing his at-bats earlier in the count. He’s handled sinkers a lot better this year, which was a big focus this year. He’s gotten hits all over the place. 

“Otto still has room to grow as a player as well. He’s been fantastic. I’m happy to have him back.”