Rays pick up 2026 option on former batting champion Yandy Diaz
Sep 12, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (2) celebrates his double in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images The Tampa Bay Rays exercised their $12 million team option on first baseman Yandy Diaz for the 2026 season.
The Rays also added a vesting option for the 2027 season that would pay Diaz $13 million if he makes at least 500 plate appearances in 2026 and $10 million if he doesn't reach that amount.
Diaz, 33, won the American League batting title in 2023 when he made his lone All-Star appearance and finished sixth in AL MVP voting. He batted .330 with additional career highs of 22 homers and 78 RBIs in 137 games.
His performance dropped last season as he batted .281 with 14 homers and 65 RBIs in 145 games.
Diaz will make $10 million in 2025.
Diaz is entering his seventh season with Tampa Bay after spending his first two campaigns (2017-18) with Cleveland. He has a .288 career average with 75 homers and 341 RBIs in 754 games.
--Field Level Media
Cleveland Browns Need To Move on From Deshaun Watson Era
Duke’s Collapse vs UConn Adds to Troubling March Pattern
NBA Best Bets Today: Top Betting Picks for Monday March 30th
Why Illinois Is the Most Dangerous Team in the Final Four
Tiger Woods’ Legacy at a Crossroads After Latest DUI Arrest
- Top NBA Bets Today: Expert Picks for March 29 Slate
- UFC Seattle Predictions: Adesanya vs Pyfer Main Event Betting Picks and More
- Arizona vs Purdue Elite 8 March Madness Betting Picks, Prediction
- NBA Picks for March 27: Best Bets for Friday Night Slate
- Why St. John's Can Cover Sweet 16 Spread Against Duke
- MLB Best Betting Picks for Friday March 27th Slate
- Three Sweet 16 Teams To Avoid Betting in March Madness This Weekend
