Player DFA'd for 5th Time This Offseason

This is the perplexing story of 26-year-old first baseman Lewin Diaz. He was just DFA'd for the 5th time in the last two months, as the Orioles were forced to make room on their 40-man roster for a new acquisition.

Lewin Díaz, a short story:

- DFA'd Nov. 15 by Marlins
- Claimed by Pirates Nov. 22
- DFA'd by Pirates Nov. 30
- Claimed by Orioles Dec. 2
- DFA'd by Orioles Dec. 21
- Traded by Os to Braves Dec. 23
- DFA'd by Braves Dec. 28
- Claimed by Os Jan. 5
- DFA'd by Os Jan. 11
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) January 11, 2023

Diaz began his offseason having just spent his 3rd straight year with the Miami Marlins. He appeared in 58 games and got 174 plate appearances, finishing with a .169 average, 5 HR, 11 RBIs, and a .512 OPS, with an OPS+ 56% worse than the average major leaguer. But despite his dreadful season, he could not have guessed that his offseason would have him be the property of four different teams, and designated for assignment five times.

The Marlins DFA'd him on Nov. 15h; he was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates a week later; the Pirates DFA'd him eight days after that; he was claimed by the Baltimore Orioles two days later, then DFA'd by them 19 days after that; he was traded to the Atlanta Braves two days later, and DFA'd by the Braves five days after that.

Finally, the Orioles decided to take a second chance on Diaz, claiming him for the second time in a month on Jan. 5th, but then DFA'ing him again six days later (today).

That is one whirlwind of an offseason. So far. Almost makes Carlos Correa's winter seem tame by comparison. Just without the $200 million.

Photo: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports