This weekend’s trip to San Diego will be somewhat of a homecoming for Jonathan Aranda. The Rays first baseman grew up and lives just across the nearby border in Tijuana, Mexico, and will return as one of the top hitters in the majors.

“It’s going to be something really nice,” said Aranda, via team interpreter Eddie Rodriguez. “Having most of my family and friends there, it’ll be awesome.”

The visit also will serve as a reminder of how far Aranda has come during nearly 10 years with the Rays, from the serendipitous circumstances of his signing, to his slow start as a pro, to hitting well in the upper minors, to the repeated challenges of transferring that success to the majors.

“He’s turned out to be exactly who we thought he was going to be,” starter Drew Rasmussen said. “And it’s just so great.

“He’s a great person, first and foremost. But then on top of it, the talent is off the charts. So to see what he’s done here in the early going is pretty cool.”

‘The Arozarena connection’

When he was the Rays’ international scouting director, Carlos Rodriguez went to Tijuana in spring 2015 to take a look at Randy Arozarena, a recent Cuban defector who was a free agent, but the workout fell through. (Arozarena signed with St. Louis and in 2020 was acquired by the Rays in trade and became an All-Star.)

The Rays’ local scouts suggested that since Rodriguez was there, he should take a look at some teenagers in the Toros de Tijuana academy, including Aranda. They liked him enough to make a small investment, about $130,000, and would see how the lefty-swinging infielder developed.

Progress was slow initially, as Aranda, who signed in July 2015 at age 17, didn’t get promoted to a full-season Class-A team until 2019, and then the 2020 minor-league season was lost to the COVID pandemic.

After a breakout performance in 2021 at Double-A Montgomery, Aranda put up big numbers at Triple-A Durham in 2022 and 2023, hitting .327 with an OPS pushing 1.000. He got called up by the Rays both years, but didn’t do much to impress in limited action, hitting .212 with a .656 OPS and striking out a lot (28.4%).

‘Promising foreshadowing’

Manager Kevin Cash said that late-season performance was a good sign of what was to come.

“He was getting on pitches a little bit more, and being ready to hit from the first pitch on, and making the necessary adjustments within the game from what he learned in his previous at-bat,” Cash said.

Aranda also sees that stretch as the start of his current success.

“I was able to be more aggressive, and that translated to this year,” he said. “And I keep my same focus, just being aggressive.”

Another factor, Aranda said, is his experience. “I don’t feel like that rookie anymore,” he said. “I feel more mature, and it’s showing.”

So is his increased confidence, which Cash and several teammates say is very noticeable, both playing first base (which he is doing regularly with Yandy Diaz at DH) and at the plate.

“It’s what you were waiting for,” veteran Brandon Lowe said. “Everyone saw what he was doing in Triple A, everyone saw what he was doing in spring training and all this other stuff. And you’re just like, ‘Alright, man, it’s going to happen. He’s going to figure it out.’

“He just looks relaxed. He just looks like he’s enjoying the game. He’s having fun. And when you’re loose and relaxed, you start playing a little bit better. I think he’s really found his groove.”

With that comfort comes more clubhouse camaraderie.

Aranda, who tends to be on the quiet side, has been more engaged. His hitting success means he’s been on base more, which leads to more opportunity for his helmet to fly off and his curly hair to be unleashed, and thus more teasing from his teammates.

“It’s a good thing,” said Aranda, noting he plans to try a smaller-sized helmet.

“He’ll get feisty, a little fierce. And it’s fun,” pitcher Ryan Pepiot said. “It’s kind of like his hair — his helmet stays on, but then it flies off, and then it flies out and goes everywhere. That’s kind of how it is, where he’s quiet to you, and then next thing you know, there’s the energy boost.”

Aranda insists he doesn’t spend much time thinking about what might have been, such as whether he would have had this kind of success last season if he hadn’t broken his finger.

“I have the confidence now,” he said, “and that’s what matters.”

For him, and for the Rays.

Conclusion

Jonathan Aranda’s journey from a young prospect to a standout player in the majors is an inspiring tale of perseverance and dedication. His success is a testament to his talent and hard work, and he continues to impress both teammates and fans with his skill on the field.

FAQs

1. How long has Jonathan Aranda been with the Rays?

Jonathan Aranda has been with the Rays for nearly 10 years, showcasing his growth and development as a player.

2. What factors have contributed to Aranda’s success this season?

Aranda’s success this season can be attributed to his increased playing time, experience, confidence, and the support of his teammates.

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