PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays have decided to exercise their team option on Yandy Díaz, securing his services for the 2026 season at a price tag of $12 million. This move demonstrates the team’s confidence in Díaz’s talent and consistent performance.
Additionally, the Rays have set up a vesting option for the 2027 season, which will depend on Díaz meeting certain performance criteria in 2026. These strategic decisions are based on his solid contributions over the years, making him a key player in the team’s future plans.
Last season, Díaz made a significant impact offensively, finishing with a .281 batting average, alongside 14 home runs, 65 RBIs, and a .341 on-base percentage across 145 games. The 33-year-old first baseman has been consistent with his performance, boasting on-base percentages of .410 in the 2023 season and .401 the year prior.
In 2023, Díaz led the American League with a .330 batting average and ranked sixth in the AL MVP voting. That impressive year saw him hitting 22 home runs and driving in 78 runs, underscoring his importance to the team’s lineup.
A veteran of the sport, Díaz holds a career batting average of .288 along with a .373 on-base percentage, amassing 75 home runs and 341 RBIs over 754 games. He spent the initial segment of his major league career with the Cleveland team in 2017-18 before joining Tampa Bay in 2019, where he has been an invaluable asset.
