Fansided

Atlanta Braves Acquire Lewin Diaz from the Orioles

By Trent Dickeson |
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 18: Lewin Diaz #34 of the Miami Marlins rtakes a swing during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 18, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 18: Lewin Diaz #34 of the Miami Marlins rtakes a swing during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 18, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Braves made a small acquisition today. They announced they acquired Lewin Diaz from the Baltimore Orioles for cash.

It has been an eventful off-season for Diaz, as this will now be his fourth organization he has been apart of this winter. He was designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins on November 15th. He would be claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates on November 22nd before they would designate him for assignment on November 30th. Next, he was claimed by the Baltimore Orioles on December 2nd and was designated for assignment on December 21st.

Now, on December 22nd, he heads to the Atlanta Braves. The Braves did have two 40-man roster spots open up, and will use one of those slots to add Lewin Diaz to the organization.

Diaz debuted in the majors in 2020 for the Miami Marlins and bounced between the majors and AAA for the next three seasons. At the time of graduating from the minors, he was considered the 14th prospect according to Fangraphs and was 7th according to MLB at the end of the 2020 season.

Lewin Diaz was always viewed as a solid defensive first baseman coming through the minor leagues with a lot of raw power. This is seen in a 70 grade in fielding and 60 grade raw power according to Fangraphs.

The defense has been solid when he has been in the majors. Posting positive DRS totals each season:

  • 2020: 2
  • 2021: 9
  • 2022: 5

However, the bat has not shown up in the major leagues.

  • 2020 (14 games): .154/.195/.205 0 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, .181 wOBA, & 9 wRC+
  • 2021 (40 games): .205/.242/.451 8 HR, 16 R, 13 RBI, .288 wOBA, & 81 wRC+
  • 2022 (58 games): .169/.224/.288 5 HR, 12 R, 11 RBI, 1 SB, .228 wOBA, & 45 wRC+

Adding Lewin Diaz is nothing more than a depth move. No risk here. He provides solid insurance in the event of a Matt Olson injury. The biggest question will be if he remains in the organization long enough. He is now in his 4th organization in less than two months. He would also be pretty expendable if the Braves needed to open a 40-man spot back up at some point this off-season.

At the time, it is a solid move that cost the Braves nothing. Diaz serves as depth at first base which the Braves do not have much of at the higher levels of the minors. Maybe they have found a diamond in the rough.

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