Acquired in an offseason commerce in 2018, first baseman Yandy Diaz has been one of the constant hitters on the Tama Bay Rays over the previous 4 seasons and is off to his greatest begin in 2023.
With a .320 batting common, 12 dwelling runs and 30 RBI, Diaz has had an influence surge that has him two dwelling runs shy from tying his profession excessive of 14, set in 2019.
A bulk of Diaz’s manufacturing has come out of the leadoff spot, persistently setting the desk for one of many stronger offenses within the league, propelling them to a MLB-best 39-17 report.
He at the moment leads all of MLB in wRC+ with 193, evaluate that to the 207 wRC+ that New York Yankees slugger Aaron Decide had in his record-breaking 2022 season, and it reveals how particular of a season Diaz is at the moment having with Tampa Bay.
With a mix of energy and get in touch with to go along with an amazing batter’s eye, Diaz has struck out simply 251 occasions in 1,780 plate appearances whereas including 231 walks in his four-plus seasons with the Rays.
Focusing extra on with the ability to carry the ball, Diaz has seen it go over the fence extra usually, and is thought to make use of the speedy infield at Tropicana Park to his benefit.
Not solely is he lifting the ball extra, however he’s hitting it more durable with a median exit velocity of 103.4 mph and a groundball exit velocity of 95.3 mph. Each would have led the majors final season.
Diaz, who earned a single MVP vote final 12 months, may develop into a AL MVP finalist this 12 months if he is ready to maintain his manufacturing, because the Rays look to make their method again to the World Collection for the primary time since 2020.
