Feb 27, 2025, 1:19 PM ET

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Jonathan Aranda is building buzz going into 2025 after February reports of regular designated hitter work surfaced. The 26-year-old could also be a lefty-swinging platoon bat at first base alongside Yandy Diaz. Aranda has seen injuries and a shuffle-happy Tampa infield rob him of consistent chances thus far, but has shown glimpses of greatness. He delivered at least a .318 batting average in three straight minor-league campaigns of 95 games or more between 2021-23, with 25 home runs in 434 plate appearances at Triple-A in '23. But the success wasn't translating to the majors, including a .213/.288/.319 slash line over 52 PAs in late spring last season before an oblique injury sidelined him (he'd fractured a finger in March). However, he crushed five home runs and five doubles in 91 PAs after returning. A small sample, but his overall 16.5 percent barrel rate ranked sixth in MLB out of those with over 90 batted-ball events. If he's figured it out against major-league pitching as a LHB who calls a mirror of Yankee Stadium home then sneaky 25-homer pop is in play. But we must note that the Rays were awarded a fourth option year for him and are notorious for toying with depth. ATC only projects 15 HRs and a .251 average across 105 games for now. Eloy Jimenez may also make the team and siphon DH reps. But with an average ADP of 356, Aranda's upside is worth a late pick despite any playing time or consistency concerns.--Nick Mariano