It didn’t take long for Connor Norby to feel at home in Colorado, both on and off the field.

Dealt to the Rockies from the Miami Marlins on Aug. 3 along with minor leaguer Aiden May for reliever Victor Vodnik, Norby has quickly settled in as a regular in the Rockies’ starting lineup. That includes 11 games at second base, holding down most of the innings at the position since being acquired.

That’s fine with Norby, returning to a position where he admits he feels more comfortable than elsewhere on the diamond. However, it’s been an odyssey to get back to that spot that would make Homer want to break out his pen.

Drafted in the second round of the 2021 MLB draft by Baltimore, Norby got in just nine games and 32 at-bats with the Orioles before he was sent to Miami in a 2024 trade.

Once he arrived in south Florida, it was clear the Marlins wanted to see what other positions he could play. He played 82 games at third base in 2025, then added first base to his repertoire this season, logging 44 games there as well as 13 games at third.

“The adjustment’s tough,” Norby said of learning new positions. “With third base, when I was introduced to it, right off the bat, I was like, ‘This is probably the toughest position on the field to learn outside of a catcher.’ Just with the reads off the ball, the decision-making, the anticipation, your first initial step, even the throw, it’s all different. It definitely took me some time to figure out how to even be average at that position.

“I was introduced to first base this year and played well. But that was also you just play where you’re needed at that given moment.”

Norby then leaned over and looked across the Rockies’ clubhouse at TJ Rumfield’s locker and smiled.

“I don’t foresee myself playing a ton of first here, which I’m not mad about. We have a pretty good one over there,” Norby said, motioning in Rumfield’s direction.

Norby’s comfort level back at second has shown during his short time with the Rockies. Heading into Tuesday’s game in Washington, he had reached base safely in all 12 of his games in purple. That’s the second-longest on-base streak of his career behind the 14 he put together last season with Miami. It’s also the longest on-base streak in their first 12 games of the season since Randal Grichuk’s 12 in early 2023.

“I see a dirtbag and a grinder,” Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer said when asked to describe Norby. “He’s a guy that isn’t afraid to get dirty, isn’t afraid to put his body on the line for the team and is a solid defender.

“He’s also a guy that takes really good at-bats. He never gives in. Every moment matters to him, and I think it’s blatantly obvious when you meet him that that’s the case. I love what I see, and I see a guy that can only get better, too.”

While he feels at home at second, Norby knows versatility is a key with the Rockies. He’s already played third and first in his short time in Denver. However, Norby said the focus with the Rockies has been on finding his strengths and making sure he fits into the team in the way that’s best for him and everyone else on the roster.

“It was about being me and getting comfortable as fast as I could,” Norby said of his introduction to Colorado and his role. “I feel like it also was a fresh start in a sense as well. It’s one of those scenarios where it’s a fresh start for me. I’ve only been here in the organization for two weeks, and it’s already a place where I feel like I can grow more and get more out of myself and be more of myself than what I had been the last two years.

“That’s not a knock on Miami. It’s just not everything’s the right fit, and I think this spot … it’s such a great locker room, such a great staff, and I’m excited to be a part of this thing going forward and giving Rockies fans things to be proud of and cheer for.”

Under team control through the 2030 season, it’s possible the 26-year-old Norby could be a part of the team’s near-future core. While nothing is set in stone, Norby is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead as Colorado continues to focus on climbing out of the National League West cellar.

“These guys have just taken me in right off the bat, and they made me feel like one of them right away and I’m grateful for it,” Norby said. “I’m here to have their back like they have mine, and we’re here to win games and play good baseball.”