Vanderbilt third baseman Davis Diaz was selected with the 226th pick (eighth round) in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics. Diaz is the fifth Commodore to be picked in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Diaz came to the Commodores as a highly touted prospect in the class of 2021 and is no stranger to the MLB draft process. The summer before his freshman year at Vanderbilt, the California native was selected in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, he decided to push himself further, forgoing the contract and donning the black and gold.
Since his arrival on West End, Diaz has made an impact both in the field and at the plate, having played in 182 games for the Commodores. He’s plated 140 runs while obtaining a fielding percentage of .945. Diaz is a reliable glove on the hot corner, and his swift hands and footwork minimize errors.
Diaz, who both throws and bats right-handed, possesses unique bat-to-ball skill in his ability to find the gap. As a sophomore, he slashed .263 with a .415 slugging percentage, seven doubles and nine home runs. Although that 2023 season was perhaps the best offensively of his career, his 2024 stats show promise as well. During his junior campaign, Diaz collected 56 hits, 17 of which were for extra bases, while batting .243 and drawing 30 walks. Diaz hit seven home runs, one of which was a walk-off in the bottom of the ninth to secure a midweek victory over UT Martin.
Overall, Diaz possesses an elite skill set and a hard-working mentality that will help him prosper in the major league system.
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