Jonathan Aranda DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

MLB.com's Adam Berry writes that Tampa Bay Rays infielder Jonathan Aranda is in line for regular work as the team's designated hitter in 2025 and as the left-handed complement to first baseman Yandy Diaz. Aranda was expected to have a big opportunity as a regular in 2024, but a late-spring injury kept him from contributing at the major-league level until September. Aranda had an impressive .836 OPS and 139 wRC+ with five home runs in 24 games. He also ranked 19th in barrel rate (15.0%) and was tied for 25th in expected wOBA (.375) among 183 players with at least 75 plate appearances in September. At the very least, the 26-year-old should be Tampa's go-to DH against right-handed pitching, setting him up as a potential breakout player in 2025 at a solid value in fantasy drafts.

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Jonathan Aranda didn't hit your prototypical walk-off home run, but his solo shot in the sixth inning proved to be the game-winner in a tight 1-0 win over the Blue Jays on Friday. Aranda has now hit safely in 10 of the last 11 games he's started, going 12-for-40 (.300) over that stretch with three doubles, three home runs, four RBI, and seven runs scored. During his time in the minors, the 26-year-old has proven he's got some pop in his bat, including a 25-homer season at Triple-A in 2023, but for fantasy managers navigating the fantasy playoffs, there are probably better upside options out there on the waiver wire.

The Tampa Bay Rays recalled infielder/designated hitter Jonathan Aranda from Triple-A Durham on Friday and optioned outfielder Kameron Misner to Durham in a corresponding move. Aranda, who was expected to be a big part of Tampa's lineup before the start of the regular season, has only played in 18 games at the big-league level in his third year in the majors, going 10-for-47 (.213) with a homer, two doubles, three RBI and 14 strikeouts in 52 plate appearances. Part of the reason he's been away from the major-league club for so long is that he missed several months while in the minors due to an oblique strain. The 26-year-old was producing at the plate for the Bulls since returning from the injured list, and he may be worth a look in deeper fantasy leagues if he gets regular playing time for Tampa in the final month of the regular season.