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Jonathan Aranda Continues Strong Offensive Showing for Tampa Bay Rays

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Troy Brock | Last updated May 12, 2025 1:44 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Rays were one win away from a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the series immediately following being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Rays did take two of three, however, winning the first two contests before dropping the series finale on Mother's Day.

Despite the loss, the Rays still hit well, they just were not able to string enough together and push runs across. One batter who continued his strong start to the year is Jonathan Aranda.

Jonathan Aranda is 3-4 with 3 singles on the day.

One to left, one to right field, and one to center field. Does such a great job of taking the ball where it’s pitched.

Average is now up to .342 (T-3rd in MLB) with a .982 OPS (4th in MLB). This guy is an All Star. pic.twitter.com/4ICXuXs7LL
— Garbage Time Rays (@garbagetimerays) May 11, 2025

The 2025 season has been a breakout one for Aranda, his first as a full-time starter. Through his first 35 games, the first baseman has batted .342/.429/.553 with five home runs, 18 RBI and a 180 OPS+.

Entering this year, Aranda's career-high for games played was 44, a mark he set in 2024. He is currently on pace to shatter that this year, and has already set new career-best marks in hits (39), doubles (nine), RBI (18) and total bases (63).

It has been a stark contrast to the rest of his career. Entering 2025, the first baseman carried a career line of only .222/.309/.382 with 10 home runs, 33 RBI and a 97 OPS+ across 333 plate appearances in 110 games. It is amazing what regular playing time can do for a player.

Highest batting average this season:

.409 — Aaron Judge
.349 — Paul Goldschmidt
.348 — Jacob Wilson
.342 — Jonathan Aranda
.331 — Steven Kwan
.324 — Manny Machado pic.twitter.com/EtxDPPlkjz
— StatMuse Baseball (@statmusemlb) May 12, 2025

It has been a fantastic campaign so far for Aranda, a certified breakout. After Sunday's 3-for-4 performance against the Brewers, he does not look to be slowing down anytime soon.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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