Height
6'0"
Weight
235 lbs
Age
34
College
N/A
Experience
9 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 904 | 0.290 | 100 | 424 | 0.813 | 11 | 957 |
| 2026 | | 1 | .600 | 0 | — | 1.267 | 0 | 3 |
| 2025 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$12.0M
Guaranteed
$7.2M
AAV
$12.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Rays' decision to retain Yandy Diaz at $12M for one year earns a C- CVI, reflecting a deal that feels slightly overpriced for what they're getting in return. While Diaz has established himself as an above-average starter with his elite contact skills and solid on-base ability, paying $12M annually for a first baseman who typically produces around 2-3 WAR doesn't align with optimal roster construction, especially for a team operating under Tampa Bay's budget constraints. The one-year term provides flexibility and avoids long-term risk, but this salary could have been better allocated toward pitching depth or younger position players who fit the organization's developmental timeline. Diaz's age and positional limitations make this feel like a short-term patch rather than a strategic investment, particularly when the Rays have historically excelled at finding similar production at a fraction of the cost. The deal isn't disastrous given the short commitment, but it represents the type of middling veteran contract that rarely moves the needle for teams trying to maximize every dollar in a competitive AL East.
Performance Analysis
Yandy Diaz grades as an All-Star caliber performer among MLB first basemen, earning a B+ Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.290 batting average and a 0.813 OPS (above the league average of .720, an above-average mark) this season. With 100 home runs and 424 RBI through 904 games (a 18-HR, 76-RBI pace over a full season), he brings moderate power to the lineup. Yandy also contributes 11 stolen bases, adding a baserunning element to his profile. As a experienced veteran at 34, Yandy is a key contributor for the Rays. A 904-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
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