EYE: FORBIDDEN TO FORGET this Cuban prospect for 2022

By Juan Paez

It is no secret to anyone that the label of Yusniel Diaz as a prospectus it wore out over the years. Year after year, he ranks lower among the best prospects in his organization, mainly due to injuries and underperforming. But now, healthy and fit again, he could be a star among the Baltimore Orioles’ rookies.

To follow Diaz’s story, let’s review his recent work. In 2018, when he was still with the Dodgers, he was the fifth-best prospect in Los Angeles. At that time, he was above catcher Will Smith, infielder Gavin Lux and right-hander Dustin May, a trio that, unlike the Cuban, has already tasted the honeys of the Major Leagues.

A year later, in 2019, he was rated the Orioles’ top prospect in his first full year with that organization. In 2020, as a sign of obstacles in his career, he fell to eighth place. Last year he did not stop falling, as he was ranked twelfth among the orioles.

The reason for that drop last season in the Minor Leagues is that he barely played in 65 games between Double-A and Triple-A. The worst part is that he hit just .161/.233/.265. Later, Díaz participated in the Arizona Fall League, the circuit where every year the best prospects of the entire Major League meet for about a month. In that fair he was again a victim of injuries and only appeared in seven challenges, with good numbers, before missing the rest of the tournament.

The Orioles hope Diaz can stay healthy so he can prove they weren’t wrong when they acquired him, along with four other players, from the Dodgers for Manny Machado. As long as he stays in play, Yusniel could very well be the hitter who hit .314/.428/.477 in 59 games and 264 plate appearances in 2018 for the Double-A Dodgers.

On the face of it, the 25-year-old islander doesn’t strike out too much, walks decently and can hit for respectable average power. Defensively, Diaz has the ability to play all three outfield positions, thanks in part to a mighty arm. To top it off, he has enough speed to steal pads and cover good ground in the outfield.

In the environment, there is uncertainty as to whether the orioles will or will not leave outfielder Anthony Santander by way of change. Such a move would free up a spot in manager Brandon Hyde’s lineup, one that the young West Indian could fill.

In 2022, Díaz will star in one of the most exciting and interesting stories for members of the Cuban Army in the Minors. We’ll see if, finally, he can exploit his full potential and, why not, carve out a spot in the Orioles’ lineup. Time is still on his favor, but he must seize it before it’s too late.