<img alt="MLB: New York Mets at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kcdkUxADswSMoGs-M7PatKUP_CI=/0x0:4996x3331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73796923/usa_today_22993572.0.jpg">
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
A frankly horrible 2024 puts Diego’s status for 2025 up in the air. How Acquired
Diego Benitez was a significant signing for the Atlanta Braves back in the 2022 international signing period.
Preseason Report Card
Diego showed decent promise in 2023 as the 18 year old hit for decent contact and put together a line of .261/.332/.392. The strikeout rate was solid as well, sitting at 22.4% while his walk rate approached nearly 9% (8.7%). With the lack of positional depth in the organization at shortstop - Diego’s progression was an important one as his pricetag made him one of the marquee international free agents.
What We Saw in 2024
Quite frankly, not much was seen. Diego struggled mightily in 2024. At 19, Diego started the season at Low-A Augusta where he appeared in 37 games and was quite bad. Diego saw his strikeout rate balloon up to 37%, while he continued to put together rough plate appearances that resulted in him hitting .137/.231/.214, or a 41 wRC+. Not only did he struggle at the plate, he committed an astounding 18 errors in 33 games.
These struggles on both sides of the plate ended up with Diego being demoted back to complex ball where he switch positions to third base. Despite the drop in player potential, Diego continued to struggle as he hit .165/.276/.247 DESPITE a 13% walk rate which resulted in a 52 wRC+. He hit for virtually no power, seen by his .247 slugging percentage and miniscule .082 ISO. However, maybe the move to third base would be a hit?
Well, it turned out that, that would also be a disaster as Diego amassed another 14 errors putting his season total at 32 in 74 games. Reports were not only was he not performing on the field, but his work ethic did not align with a player of his pedigree and ultimately the Braves ended his season early - allowing him to go home and clear his head.
2025 Outlook
This is a very tough one as the Braves will likely keep him around due to his lavish bonus but he could find himself in another organization just as easily. If Diego does not show an improved work ethic, approach at the plate and field, he could find himself out of baseball. A massive disappointed for one of the biggest names on the international scene in 2022.
<img alt="MLB: New York Mets at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kcdkUxADswSMoGs-M7PatKUP_CI=/0x0:4996x3331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73796923/usa_today_22993572.0.jpg">
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
A frankly horrible 2024 puts Diego’s status for 2025 up in the air. How Acquired
Diego Benitez was a significant signing for the Atlanta Braves back in the 2022 international signing period.
Preseason Report Card
Diego showed decent promise in 2023 as the 18 year old hit for decent contact and put together a line of .261/.332/.392. The strikeout rate was solid as well, sitting at 22.4% while his walk rate approached nearly 9% (8.7%). With the lack of positional depth in the organization at shortstop - Diego’s progression was an important one as his pricetag made him one of the marquee international free agents.
What We Saw in 2024
Quite frankly, not much was seen. Diego struggled mightily in 2024. At 19, Diego started the season at Low-A Augusta where he appeared in 37 games and was quite bad. Diego saw his strikeout rate balloon up to 37%, while he continued to put together rough plate appearances that resulted in him hitting .137/.231/.214, or a 41 wRC+. Not only did he struggle at the plate, he committed an astounding 18 errors in 33 games.
These struggles on both sides of the plate ended up with Diego being demoted back to complex ball where he switch positions to third base. Despite the drop in player potential, Diego continued to struggle as he hit .165/.276/.247 DESPITE a 13% walk rate which resulted in a 52 wRC+. He hit for virtually no power, seen by his .247 slugging percentage and miniscule .082 ISO. However, maybe the move to third base would be a hit?
Well, it turned out that, that would also be a disaster as Diego amassed another 14 errors putting his season total at 32 in 74 games. Reports were not only was he not performing on the field, but his work ethic did not align with a player of his pedigree and ultimately the Braves ended his season early - allowing him to go home and clear his head.
2025 Outlook
This is a very tough one as the Braves will likely keep him around due to his lavish bonus but he could find himself in another organization just as easily. If Diego does not show an improved work ethic, approach at the plate and field, he could find himself out of baseball. A massive disappointed for one of the biggest names on the international scene in 2022.
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