Lewin Diaz

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #7 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 50.Power: 60. Run: 40. Fielding: 60. Arm: 50.
  TRACK RECORD: Diaz signed with the Twins for $1.4 million in 2013 but failed to advance past high Class A for five years due to injuries and inconsistency. He finally broke through in 2019 and was acquired by the Marlins for closer Sergio Romo and pitching prospect Chris Vallimont. Diaz’s production slipped after the trade, but he still made the Marlins’ 60-man player pool in 2020 and received his first big league callup in August.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Diaz is a lefthanded power hitter who can drive the ball to all fields. Even when he’s not hitting home runs, he has a knack for racking up extra-base hits. He totaled 27 homers, 33 doubles and two triples in 2019, taking many of them to left or left-center field. Diaz doesn’t walk much but doesn’t strike out at a high rate, either. The Marlins have long felt Diaz’s defense at first base was well above-average and major league-ready. Diaz gave them a glimpse at the position while showing off his strong arm and solid mechanics around the bag in his 14-game debut.
  THE FUTURE: Diaz’s plus defense at first base and potential middle-of-the-order power make him the Marlins’ first baseman of the future. He will have a chance to secure the everyday job as early as 2021.
• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #7 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Diaz signed with the Twins for $1.4 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2013 and found success at nearly every lower level until he reached high Class A Fort Myers and struggled mightily in 2018. This past offseason, the 6-foot-4 Diaz focused on dropping weight and getting into better shape, and his on-field production blossomed as a result. The rebuilding Marlins acquired Diaz on July 27 in a trade that sent righthanders Sergio Romo and Chris Vallimont to the Twins.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: A lefthander hitter capable of driving the ball to all fields, Diaz's leaner, stronger build and a thumb that healed from a late-season fracture in 2018 has helped him tap into his plus raw power more often. After never hitting more than 12 homers in a single season, Diaz launched a careerhigh 27 home runs in 2019. Though he doesn't draw a lot of walks, Diaz also doesn't strike out as much as a prototypical slugger, and he's at least an average hitter with strong bat-to-ball skills. Defensively, Diaz has the potential to be a plus defensive first baseman. He has below-average speed underway, but he showcases solid range, a strong arm and good footwork around the bag.
  
  THE FUTURE: After proving capable of handling Double-A pitching in the second half of 2019, Diaz is expected to start 2020 season at Triple-A. Diaz is a potential middle-of-the-order hitter with plus defense at first base. He could find himself in the Marlins' lineup sometime in 2020.
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #26 prospect in 2018
  Surprisingly left off the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 draft, Diaz was signed for $1.4 million out of the Dominican Republic at the start of the 2013-14 international signing period. Diaz' 70 raw power ranks a tick behind supplemental first-rounder Brent Rooker within the organization, and Diaz is gradually finding ways to get to that power during games. Most of his thump comes to the opposite field at this point as he learns he can shorten his swing and still do damage against both righties and lefties. Conditioning has been an issue after he packed on 40 pounds after signing, but he made significant strides last year at low Class A Cedar Rapids in improving his diet and cutting body fat. Those changes helped him maintain his strength throughout the season, and he saw his production improve in the second half. He has soft hands, smooth actions and surprisingly good mobility at first base, where he is an average to above-average defender. He has an above-average arm but lacks the wheels (below-average runner) to go back out to right field after some early career looks. Friendly and coachable, Diaz has a personality that has evaluators waiting for him to make that next leap once everything clicks. He figures to open the year at high Class A Fort Myers.
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #26 prospect in 2017
  Signed as a big-bodied 16-year-old in 2013 for $1.4 million, Diaz had an inconsistent first two seasons in pro ball, struggling at times to tap into his massive raw power. Physical conditioning could have played a role because weight management has been and will continue to be a key issue for Diaz, who has gained about 40 pounds since signing. The Twins have worked with him to steadily trim body fat and build muscle, and in 2016 he put together his best season to date, hitting for average and power at Rookie-level Elizabethton. Diaz draws 70 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale from some evaluators for his power, showing particularly impressive juice to his pull side. He uses a leg kick and a somewhat long stride, but Diaz has the ability to hit the ball to the opposite field, supplying hope he can hit for average. The lefthanded hitter has posted relatively even platoon splits in his pro career. Though he has some outfield experience and a strong throwing arm, Diaz's large frame and lack of mobility limits him to first base, where he is at least an average defender. His ceiling is tied to his bat, but he could develop into a middle-of-the-order hitter. The 20-year-old will play at low Class A Cedar Rapids in 2017.
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #21 prospect in 2016
  Dealing with adversity at the plate for the first time in his pro career in 2015, Diaz rallied late after receiving a promotion to Rookie-level Elizabethton. He hit three homers in his final seven starts to salvage a year that saw him struggle in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. After walking more than he struck out in the Dominican Summer League in 2014, Diaz saw his strikeout rate climb to 23 percent in 2015. He has plus bat speed and an advanced feel for hitting to go with solid raw power. He hangs in well against lefties, hitting them better than righties in a limited look. Two years after signing for $1.4 million, Diaz worked hard off the field to sculpt his large frame and turn baby fat into lean muscle. A below-average runner, he has a plus arm but lacks sufficient mobility to play anywhere but first base. His makeup is good and he's proven to be coachable, but he will have to watch his conditioning as he matures. A return to the Appy League next season seems most likely, and the Twins are hoping for a breakout season.
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #18 prospect in 2015
  Signed for $1.4 million at the start of the international signing period in 2013, Diaz is more than a one-dimensional slugger. He shows the ability to hit the ball where it's pitched along with impressive raw power, reminding some in the organization of a young David Ortiz. Diaz has plus bat speed and an advanced feel for hitting, which enabled him to slug .451 in the Dominican Summer League in 2014 while accruing more walks than strikeouts. He also has made positive adjustments to limit pre-pitch movement that previously caused him to get jammed on occasion. Already 6-foot-4 and approaching 230 pounds, Diaz appears to have outgrown right field, playing first base exclusively in 2014. He has a plus arm but lacks the mobility needed to be a full-time outfielder, though the Twins famously value versatility in their prospects. A below-average runner, Diaz reminds some Twins officials of 2006 first-rounder Chris Parmelee, albeit with more athletic ability. The Twins like his makeup and believe in his bat, which should make its first appearance in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2015.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Florida State League #17 prospect in 2019
• 
  Ranked Southern League #13 prospect in 2019
  Diaz impressed Southern League managers with his new body and new purpose. After toiling in Rookie-ball and at Class A for parts of six seasons as a member of the Twins' organization, he advanced to Double-A in the second half of 2019 and thrived. He moved to the Marlins in July as part of the return for Sergio Romo. Diaz shed weight before the season and that translated to a quicker bat and higher offensive production. He clubbed 14 of his 27 home runs in the Southern League and looked like a future first-division first baseman with presence and power. Adjusting his swing to reach high fastballs will be his No. 1 challenge. The lost weight paid off for Diaz defensively, too, and he drew notice for his newfound range around the first base bag.

• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50.Power: 60. Run: 40. Fielding: 60. Arm: 50.
  TRACK RECORD: Diaz signed with the Twins for $1.4 million in 2013 but failed to advance past high Class A for five years due to injuries and inconsistency. He finally broke through in 2019 and was acquired by the Marlins for closer Sergio Romo and pitching prospect Chris Vallimont. Diaz's production slipped after the trade, but he still made the Marlins' 60-man player pool in 2020 and received his first big league callup in August.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Diaz is a lefthanded power hitter who can drive the ball to all fields. Even when he's not hitting home runs, he has a knack for racking up extra-base hits. He totaled 27 homers, 33 doubles and two triples in 2019, taking many of them to left or left-center field. Diaz doesn't walk much but doesn't strike out at a high rate, either. The Marlins have long felt Diaz's defense at first base was well above-average and major league-ready. Diaz gave them a glimpse at the position while showing off his strong arm and solid mechanics around the bag in his 14-game debut.
  THE FUTURE: Diaz's plus defense at first base and potential middle-of-the-order power make him the Marlins' first baseman of the future. He will have a chance to secure the everyday job as early as 2021.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50.Power: 60. Run: 40. Fielding: 60. Arm: 50.
  TRACK RECORD: Diaz signed with the Twins for $1.4 million in 2013 but failed to advance past high Class A for five years due to injuries and inconsistency. He finally broke through in 2019 and was acquired by the Marlins for closer Sergio Romo and pitching prospect Chris Vallimont. Diaz’s production slipped after the trade, but he still made the Marlins’ 60-man player pool in 2020 and received his first big league callup in August.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Diaz is a lefthanded power hitter who can drive the ball to all fields. Even when he’s not hitting home runs, he has a knack for racking up extra-base hits. He totaled 27 homers, 33 doubles and two triples in 2019, taking many of them to left or left-center field. Diaz doesn’t walk much but doesn’t strike out at a high rate, either. The Marlins have long felt Diaz’s defense at first base was well above-average and major league-ready. Diaz gave them a glimpse at the position while showing off his strong arm and solid mechanics around the bag in his 14-game debut.
  THE FUTURE: Diaz’s plus defense at first base and potential middle-of-the-order power make him the Marlins’ first baseman of the future. He will have a chance to secure the everyday job as early as 2021.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50.Power: 60. Run: 40. Fielding: 60. Arm: 50.
  TRACK RECORD: Diaz signed with the Twins for $1.4 million in 2013 but failed to advance past high Class A for five years due to injuries and inconsistency. He finally broke through in 2019 and was acquired by the Marlins for closer Sergio Romo and pitching prospect Chris Vallimont. Diaz’s production slipped after the trade, but he still made the Marlins’ 60-man player pool in 2020 and received his first big league callup in August.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Diaz is a lefthanded power hitter who can drive the ball to all fields. Even when he’s not hitting home runs, he has a knack for racking up extra-base hits. He totaled 27 homers, 33 doubles and two triples in 2019, taking many of them to left or left-center field. Diaz doesn’t walk much but doesn’t strike out at a high rate, either. The Marlins have long felt Diaz’s defense at first base was well above-average and major league-ready. Diaz gave them a glimpse at the position while showing off his strong arm and solid mechanics around the bag in his 14-game debut.
  THE FUTURE: Diaz’s plus defense at first base and potential middle-of-the-order power make him the Marlins’ first baseman of the future. He will have a chance to secure the everyday job as early as 2021.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Diaz signed with the Twins for $1.4 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2013 and found success at nearly every lower level until he reached high Class A Fort Myers and struggled mightily in 2018. This past offseason, the 6-foot-4 Diaz focused on dropping weight and getting into better shape, and his on-field production blossomed as a result. The rebuilding Marlins acquired Diaz on July 27 in a trade that sent righthanders Sergio Romo and Chris Vallimont to the Twins.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: A lefthander hitter capable of driving the ball to all fields, Diaz’s leaner, stronger build and a thumb that healed from a late-season fracture in 2018 has helped him tap into his plus raw power more often. After never hitting more than 12 homers in a single season, Diaz launched a careerhigh 27 home runs in 2019. Though he doesn’t draw a lot of walks, Diaz also doesn’t strike out as much as a prototypical slugger, and he’s at least an average hitter with strong bat-to-ball skills. Defensively, Diaz has the potential to be a plus defensive first baseman. He has below-average speed underway, but he showcases solid range, a strong arm and good footwork around the bag.
  
  THE FUTURE: After proving capable of handling Double-A pitching in the second half of 2019, Diaz is expected to start 2020 season at Triple-A. Diaz is a potential middle-of-the-order hitter with plus defense at first base. He could find himself in the Marlins’ lineup sometime in 2020.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Diaz signed with the Twins for $1.4 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2013 and found success at nearly every lower level until he reached high Class A Fort Myers and struggled mightily in 2018. This past offseason, the 6-foot-4 Diaz focused on dropping weight and getting into better shape, and his on-field production blossomed as a result. The rebuilding Marlins acquired Diaz on July 27 in a trade that sent righthanders Sergio Romo and Chris Vallimont to the Twins.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: A lefthander hitter capable of driving the ball to all fields, Diaz's leaner, stronger build and a thumb that healed from a late-season fracture in 2018 has helped him tap into his plus raw power more often. After never hitting more than 12 homers in a single season, Diaz launched a careerhigh 27 home runs in 2019. Though he doesn't draw a lot of walks, Diaz also doesn't strike out as much as a prototypical slugger, and he's at least an average hitter with strong bat-to-ball skills. Defensively, Diaz has the potential to be a plus defensive first baseman. He has below-average speed underway, but he showcases solid range, a strong arm and good footwork around the bag.
  
  THE FUTURE: After proving capable of handling Double-A pitching in the second half of 2019, Diaz is expected to start 2020 season at Triple-A. Diaz is a potential middle-of-the-order hitter with plus defense at first base. He could find himself in the Marlins' lineup sometime in 2020.
• August, 2019 Scouting Report
  Midseason update: Diaz improved his body over the offseason, and he has come back a more agile athlete without sacrificing his big-time power. He’s also earned a reputation as one of the better defensive first basemen in the minors.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  Diaz impressed Southern League managers with his new body and new purpose. After toiling in Rookie-ball and at Class A for parts of six seasons as a member of the Twins' organization, he advanced to Double-A in the second half of 2019 and thrived. He moved to the Marlins in July as part of the return for Sergio Romo. Diaz shed weight before the season and that translated to a quicker bat and higher offensive production. He clubbed 14 of his 27 home runs in the Southern League and looked like a future first-division first baseman with presence and power. Adjusting his swing to reach high fastballs will be his No. 1 challenge. The lost weight paid off for Diaz defensively, too, and he drew notice for his newfound range around the first base bag.