When you consider the Arizona Diamondbacks’ performance this season, names like Corbin Carroll, emerging as a leading Rookie of the Year contender, Zac Gallen as their ace, and powerful sluggers such as Christian Walker and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. may readily come to mind.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Yet, hidden from the spotlight, the Diamondbacks possess a secret weapon that has managed to evade the attention of many—an individual by the name of Gabriel Moreno.
The Diamondbacks acquired Moreno back in December through a trade with the Blue Jays. Since then, Moreno has surpassed all expectations in only his second season in the major leagues.
During a pivotal series against the Cubs, Gabriel Moreno achieved his first-ever four-hit game, contributing significantly to the Diamondbacks’ 6-4 victory.
This performance illuminated an unexpectedly remarkable season for the 23-year-old catcher.
While he has only played in 99 games for Arizona this year, Moreno is leading the team in batting average, is 4th in offensive WAR, and is first in defensive WAR.
Against lefties, he is slashing. 361 at the plate.
Not only has Moreno brought a consistent bat to the bottom of the Diamondbacks lineup, but he has also served as one of, if not the best, defensive catchers in the league.
His impressive 41% caught-stealing rate dwarfs the competition, with Wilson Contreras coming in second at 27%, among catchers who have played at least 75 games.
Furthermore, when Moreno is in the starting lineup, the Diamondbacks boast an impressive record of 50-32, compared to a less favorable 27-40 without him.
It is safe to say that the D-backs won their trade with the Blue Jays.
