Jonathan Aranda

Jonathan Alexander Aranda Ventura established himself as a talented Major League Baseball infielder for the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Since his MLB debut on June 24, 2022 Aranda has become a key performer for Tampa Bay's lineup as he received his first All-Star selection in 2025.

The Rays organization signed Aranda during July 2015 and he rapidly rose through their minor league ranks to become Double-A South MVP in 2021 and Triple-A International League MVP in 2022. Aranda demonstrated his hitting abilities along with his increasing power potential during his time with Durham in 2023 where he maintained a.339/.613/.919 slash line.

Aranda has started to bring his minor-league success to the MLB level. Through late May of 2025 Aranda demonstrated exceptional hitting skills by achieving a.320 average while hitting seven home runs and recording 28 RBIs and maintaining an.879 OPS which places him among the best hitters in the American League. His right-handed plate appearance statistics show a.338/.418/.632 slash line across 79 at bats and his hard-hit rate positions him among the leaders in the major leagues.

The defensive flexibility of Aranda allows him to play first base and second base while serving as designated hitter despite some doubts about his fielding abilities. Manager Kevin Cash of the Rays attributes the positive growth of Aranda's confidence and his improved defensive skills to his early-season success.

Jonathan Aranda represented Team Mexico at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and plans to play a significant role for Mexico at the 2026 WBC. He continues to maintain his connection to his Tijuana heritage through visits to youth baseball clinics and by serving as an inspiration to Mexican and American youth players seeking to become professional baseball players.

At age 27 Jonathan Aranda leads the Rays' lineup with his developing star power alongside his professional discipline and his ability to bridge international baseball communities. His All-Star honors along with his ability to play different defensive positions and his popularity worldwide demonstrate how he represents the current strengths and upcoming potential of Tampa Bay baseball.