Lewin Diaz offseason saga comes to an end with Baltimore Orioles

After months of uncertainty, Lewin Diaz may have a home with the Baltimore Orioles.

The frequently claimed, and subsequently released, first baseman had been a part of four different organizations this offseason, including two different stints in Baltimore. When he was designated for assignment again last week as the Orioles acquired Darwinzon Hernandez, it appeared as though his odyssey was continuing.

Lewin Diaz sticking with Baltimore Orioles – for now

But that is not the case, at least for now. Roch Kubatko from MASN Sports reported that Diaz actually cleared waivers this time and has been assigned to the Orioles’ Triple-A team in Norfolk. He will, presumably, get a chance to earn a bench spot during spring training.

Diaz has been an intriguing player for years. He has an excellent glove at first and could be considered the best defensive first baseman in the majors. His power potential and excellent offense at Triple-A will continue to leave teams to imagine what he could be if he is able to put it all together at the major league level.

The problem is that he has been unable to thus far. Diaz has posted a career .181/.227/.340 batting line in his 343 major league plate appearances, hitting 13 homers and ten doubles. He has been plagued by a .213 batting average on balls in play and with his plate discipline as he has struck out 99 times with just 19 walks.

But there is still that potential and his strong Triple-A track record. Teams will give him a chance to show that he can be more than just a Quad-A player, explaining why he had so many teams that had passing interest at worst in his services. He may finally have a place to attempt to prove himself in Baltimore.

Lewin Diaz may have finally found a home for the 2023 season. His odyssey seems to be over as the Baltimore Orioles were able to send him to Triple-A.