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.

Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Jonathan Aranda (oblique) will be placed on the minor-league injured list with an oblique strain and is expected to miss four to six weeks. The 26-year-old had a brief stint with the Rays earlier this season but slashed just .213/.288/.319 with one home run over 52 plate appearances. His batting average was actually lower at Triple-A at .189, along with a .336 OBP and .295 SLG. To say this season has been a disappointment would be an understatement after a .339-25-81-82-2 line last season in the minors. Hopefully when he returns he is able to get rolling and end the season on a high note.

The Tampa Bays optioned first baseman Jonathan Aranda to Triple-A Durham on the team's off day to make room for outfielder Josh Lowe (oblique) on the active roster. Aranda has struggled at the plate for the Rays this season and had just a .213 average with one home run and three RBI before his demotion. The 26-year-old saw starts at first base and designated hitter over the past few weeks, but he has only started two of the past five games for Tampa Bay. So, things shouldn't change a lot in his absence. Harold Ramirez should still see most of the opportunities at DH, and Yandy Diaz will continue to be the team's everyday first baseman.