MILWAUKEE -- Have you heard the serendipitous story about how the Rays wound up signing first baseman Jonathan Aranda? Carlos Rodriguez, the Rays’ international scouting director in 2015, wanted to evaluate a Cuban outfielder who was training in Tijuana, Mexico…
First baseman Jonathan Aranda has become an integral part of the Tampa Bay Rays' run to the World Series after an 11-year journey through the organization. Originally discovered by accident in Tijuana in 2015 while the Rays were attempting to scout Randy Arozarena, Aranda was signed as a 17-year-old for $130,000.
After spending years working through eight minor league affiliates and overcoming multiple position changes and injuries, Aranda established himself in the major leagues. He started 148 regular-season games, batting .274 with a .792 OPS to help propel the American League champions into the Fall Classic.
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