Jul 29, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Lewin Diaz (34) celebrates after scoring during the first inning against the New York Mets at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Former Miami Marlins prospect Lewin Diaz has found remarkable success in South Korea, where he is rewriting the record books in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) while playing for the Samsung Lions. After struggling during his tenure in Major League Baseball (MLB), Diaz has transformed his game, boasting impressive statistics in the current season.
Diaz’s MLB journey began when he was signed as an amateur free agent from the Dominican Republic by the Minnesota Twins. He was traded to the Marlins in July 2019, but his performance in the major leagues was disappointing. Over three seasons, he played 112 games from 2020 to 2022, hitting just .181 with 13 home runs across 343 plate appearances. Following a stint in the minor leagues with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, he briefly played in the Mexican League at the start of the 2024 season, where he attracted the attention of KBO scouts.
Record-Breaking Performance in 2025
In 2025, Diaz has taken his game to extraordinary heights. Currently, he is batting an impressive .302/.368/.625 through 598 plate appearances, showcasing his offensive prowess. This season alone, he has recorded 26 doubles, 48 home runs, and 144 runs batted in (RBIs).
Diaz’s home run total is particularly noteworthy. With 48 home runs, he is closing in on the KBO single-season record of 56, set by Seung-yeop Lee in 2003. Notably, his 48 home runs tie the record established by Yamaico Navarro in 2015, which stands as the highest for a foreign-born player in the league.
In addition to his home runs, Diaz is on track to potentially surpass the KBO RBI record, currently held by ByungHo Park, who drove in 146 runs in 2015. With just six games left in the regular season, Diaz has a solid chance to break that mark.
The Samsung Lions are gearing up for the postseason, and Diaz’s outstanding performance will be crucial as they aim for success in the playoffs. His remarkable turnaround from a struggling major leaguer to a record-breaking star in the KBO highlights not only his talent but also the opportunities available in international baseball leagues.
As the regular season concludes, fans and scouts alike will be watching Diaz closely, hoping to see history made in the final week.
