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Yainer Diaz 2025 Fantasy Baseball Outlook: Solid Sophomore Campaign Bodes Well For 2025
8 mins agoDespite a drop in power, Yainer Diaz had a stellar 2024 season. In 148 games, Diaz hit .299/.325/.441 with 16 homers, 84 RBI, 70 runs, and two steals. After homering 23 times in 2023 (104 games), the decline in home runs was a disappointment. However, volume was key for Diaz to provide value and his batting average was elite at the catcher position. Only three catcher-eligible players played more games than Diaz in 2024. And his .299 batting average led all catchers with at least 300 plate appearances. Diaz's .338 BABIP might hint at batting average regression this year. But Diaz also had a .299 xBA (expected batting average) in 2024, ranking in the 97th percentile of all hitters. Diaz does lack plate discipline. His 3.9% BB% ranked in the fifth percentile and 42.6% Chase% ranked in the second percentile. That will hurt Diaz's value in certain formats but he will more than make up for it in four of the five main scoring categories. Providing Diaz can get back to hitting more fly balls, we should see 20-25 homers and everything is in his favor to be a top-five catcher this year.
