Baltimore Orioles: Yusniel Díaz looking to make the jump to the MLB this season

In 2020, Yusniel Díaz is finally looking to make the big jump to the big-leagues as the starting centerfielder for the Baltimore Orioles.

Baltimore Orioles prospect Yusniel Díaz was one of the most sought after prospects in the international free agency period of 2015. “El Yupi” as he is known by the fans in Havana hit .348 with 3 triples, 19 runs batted in and had a slash line of .447/.440/.887 in his only season in Havana’s Industriales before he decided to defect in 2014.

He was on his way to being a unanimous rookie in the Cuban circuit, but due to his defection, the prize was given to the Isle of Youth shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez.

Signing with the Dodgers

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Diaz agreed to a $15.5M signing bonus to become a Dodger in 2015, which was the second biggest for an international free agent during that period. In his first year in the minors with the rookie league team and Rancho Cucamonga (A+) he had an average year hitting .267 with 8 homers and 57 driven in.

But in 2016, which was his second year in the minors with Rancho Cucamonga and Tulsa (AA) he looked a more mature player in every aspect of his game.

When I asked him what workouts he incorporated into his repertoire to make him a better player, he responded, “I worked tirelessly on my defense and spent a lot of time in the gym to work on strengthening my upper body. I also dedicated a lot of time to fine-tuning my swing and it paid off.”

In 114 games that season he hit .292 with 11 bombs, 52 Rbi’s and 9 stolen bases to show considerable improvement.

Adjusting to the States

Like many immigrants who come from other places there is an adjustment period and Díaz went through this same phase, “I had to adjust to this country very rapidly to mature as a ballplayer and I couldn’t let my homesickness affect my game.”

But like many other Cubans immigrants he missed home, “Of course I miss home. I have a lot of family still on the island and it’s not easy having my loved ones so far away, but one has to fight on to make their lives more comfortable in the future.”

Having other Cubans as teammates such as Yadier Álvarez and Omar Estévez help ease some of the homesickness, “I felt better having some of my countrymen as teammates, they are great teammates and we help each other a lot.

A breakout year

In 2018 Díaz announced himself to the world and let it be known he was a top-notch prospect. In 59 games with Tulsa (AA) he hit .314 with 6 taters, 10 doubles, 4 triples, 30 driven and 8 stolen bases. For his efforts, he was chosen to participate in the Futures Game and did not disappoint.

The young Cuban went yard twice in the game, accomplishing a feat that only Alfonso Soriano had done before him. Though the World lost to team USA, Díaz put on a good showing and might have been the games MVP if not for the efforts of Taylor Trammell.

“It was an honor to represent my organization at the futures game, which happened to be one of my goals to start the year. ”

A Change of scenery

Entrenched as a top prospect for the Dodgers, #4 in the organization to be exact, Díaz was primed for a September call up. Then in a flash, he was a main piece of the trade that brought Manny Machado to La-La land.

His reaction to the trade: “I am thankful to the Dodgers for the opportunity they gave me when they signed me in 2015 and I’m also thankful to be a new member of the Orioles. I’m very happy with the opportunity I will have with the organization in 2019.”

A lost Season

With Adam Jones departing to Arizona, Diaz was primed to be the Baltimore Orioles starting centerfielder. Although he hit .306 in spring training the young Cuban was still sent down to Bowie (AA) for some seasoning.

It was thought he would be called up sometime during 2019, but injuries and struggles at the plate prevented that.

Although he finished hitting a decent .262 and hit 11 homers the team expected more out of him in his second season at AA.

Will get a fair shot

Diaz will get a good shot to play this spring, especially with the team in the middle of a rebuild.

With a good spring showing, he could break camp with the Baltimore Orioles, but it is more likely that he will be an early to midseason call up.

Will the young Antillean fulfill his promise and be the team’s future cornerstone in the outfield? That is still set to be seen.