Lo que más importa es llegar

Patrick Dubuque highlights the unexpected postseason impact of Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Víctor Mesa Jr. during the 2026 American League Division Series. Mesa Jr. hit a decisive 401-foot home run off left-handed pitcher Max Fried in Game 3, putting Tampa Bay ahead to help eliminate the New York Yankees despite pre-season statistical models projecting him for just 32 plate appearances.

The writer notes that Mesa Jr. completely changed his hitting approach after the Marlins designated him for assignment in February. Promoted from Triple-A Durham, Mesa Jr. produced 1.4 WARP across roughly 300 plate appearances, eventually earning the cleanup spot in Tampa Bay's batting order for the American League's top regular-season team.