In what has already been a busy offseason in St. Pete, the Tampa Bay Rays struck another re-signing. This time, infielder Yandy Díaz resigned with the team for $24 million over the course of three years. He has a club option for the 2026 season.
The 31-year-old infielder had a spectacular 2022 season. The Rays had guys in and out of their lineup due to injuries, yet Díaz seemed to be an exception. His success at the plate was critical in keeping Tampa Bay in the playoff picture throughout the season.
The veteran baseman finished with a .296 average, which is a .040 improvement from 2021. He also had nine home runs, 57 RBIs, and 71 total hits.
Arguably his most impressive stat was his on-base percentage of .401. It ranked third-highest in the American League only behind Aaron Judge of the Yankees and Yordan Alvarez of the Astros.
2023 will be Díaz’s fifth season with Rays since joining the team in 2019 after leaving Cleveland. His career stat line with Tampa Bay has been solid with a .277 batting average, 38 homers, 170 RBIs, and a hefty 205 walks. He is well-regarded as one of the most patient batters in the league.
Díaz’s experience with the team provides leadership for the batting lineup and retunes it for another possible championship run in 2023.