Yandy Díaz has a solid nine-year career on the grand stage with the Cleveland Indians and the Tampa Bay Rays. Over that time the native of Sagua la Grande, Cuba he has swatted 824 hits, 81 homeruns and 366 runs batted in.
In 2885 trips to the plate the Cuban has slashed .286/.368/.431/.799. This also includes a batting title, an All-Star berth and a Silver Slugger in 2023 with the team from South Florida. Díaz is signed through 2025 with the team and figures to be a big piece of the team’s lineup over that span.
Although the infielder will not play with Cuba in upcoming World Baseball Classic, he still might play in a winter league during the offseason. If this were to happen expect the Leones del Caracas of the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol to be the favorites for his services.
You lose a bat like Randy Arozarena’s in the lineup. What adjustments have you had to make?
The same adjustments as always. Such as just trying to drive in runs when the moment presents itself. So far, I haven’t started as well as I’d like, but I think things will improve later on.
You’re the veteran player in the lineup. What advice do you give to the younger players?
Just focus. This is a sport, this is baseball. It has its good times and bad, and in the bad times, you have to stay positive. Things will turn out well sooner or later.
Do you have any specific goals for this season?
The first goal is to be healthy. I believe that if I’m healthy, things will turn out well for me. And I want to help the team in every way possible to see if we can reach the playoffs again this year.
You’re in Miami, the capital of Cubans, and it’s Cuban Heritage Day. How are you feeling today?
Happy. Today I can see many Cubans I don’t know, and it makes me happy to always come here to Miami and spend time with so many people from Cuba.
You’ve said you won’t play with Cuba in the Classic, but could we see you playing in a winter league this year?
You know, last year I wanted to go play in Venezuela, but in the end, I chose to stay with my family. I don’t know if I’ll be able to go to the Dominican Republic or Venezuela again this year or next.
And the Leones del Caracas, which you like so much?
Well, that’s where I was going to go. I’ve always said that I owe a big part of my time here in the Major Leagues to the Leones del Caracas. The years I was there helped me a lot in my development as a player.