The Tampa Bay Rays have been one of the best teams in the American League, in large part due to the success of the middle of the lineup. The trio of Jonathan Aranda, Junior Caminero, and Yandy Diaz has carried the offense all season with no signs of slowing down. Despite dealing with injuries and subpar play from other parts of the lineup, the Rays have still been one of the better offensive teams in MLB, just from the trio’s stats. The recent hot streak of all three hitters highlights the rare situation of three teammates having a case to be the American League MVP.
Aranda’s Case For AL MVP
Aranda has been the Rays’ best hitter in the clutch this year, leading the team (and among the AL leaders) with 57 RBIs. He has displayed an elite hitting profile, elevating his numbers in high-leverage situations and when his team trails. He also has one of the highest on-base percentages in the league, which makes him an extremely tough out.
Aranda has hit at every level of the minor leagues and is now established as an All-Star. He can hit to all fields for power, but always makes sound swing decisions that avoid wasting any opportunity presented. He is a constant in Tampa Bay’s lineup that will produce all season, giving him the numbers to match other contenders for the award.
Making An MVP Case For Caminero
Caminero has been the hottest hitter for the Rays, putting up the best stretch of his career for home runs during the team’s winning streak. He is MLB’s most dangerous young hitter, armed with elite bat speed and patience to go with game-changing power. His 22 bombs have him tied for third in the AL and lead the Rays by a wide margin.
Caminero is on his way to another All-Star selection, making highlight plays regularly that get him star attention while playing for a small-market team. He also plays a premium defensive position (3B), where he has made a huge improvement. At only 22 years old, he has emerged as the face of the Rays’ franchise and is already reaching the MVP-level ceiling with monster numbers.
The Case For Diaz As American League MVP
Diaz has been the tone-setter for the Rays’ lineup, making every at-bat uncomfortable for opposing pitchers. He leads the AL in hits (99) and batting average (.336), seemingly good for multiple hits every game. He has excelled in hitting lead-off and clean-up for Tampa Bay this year with his versatile skillset.
Diaz can ambush the first pitch of an at-bat. His knowledge of the strike zone allows him to work deep counts. He is comfortable hitting with two strikes and in any pressure situation. As undoubtedly one of the most underrated players in all of MLB, Diaz deserves more attention for how important he is to the Rays’ attack.
All Deserving Of Votes
Tampa Bay possesses the best trio of hitters in baseball with Aranda, Caminero, and Diaz dominating on a nightly basis. The kind of season each hitter is having is MVP-level and deserves such recognition. If they were each on different teams, there would be a stronger case to be made. Unfortunately, they are competing against each other and with split votes.
There will be other players like Yordan Alvarez with better stats, or a stronger national profile like Ben Rice playing for the Yankees. Bobby Witt Jr. is the kind of all-around talent that garners a lot of votes for carrying his team. Be that as it may, the Rays’ trio deserves legitimate consideration as a rare case of teammates in the MVP race. Together, they are carrying the Tampa Bay Rays to the playoffs.
