Former Miami Marlins prospect Lewin Diaz is making headlines in South Korea, where he has been rewriting slugging records while playing for the Samsung Lions in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). After struggling to find success in Major League Baseball, Diaz has emerged as a dominant offensive force in the KBO, showcasing his talent and resilience.
Diaz, who is now 28 years old, initially entered the professional baseball scene as an amateur free agent with the Minnesota Twins. He was traded to the Marlins during the 2019 season in exchange for reliever Sergio Romo. His MLB debut occurred during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, where he played 14 games. Over the next two years, Diaz participated in 112 games with the Marlins, posting disappointing statistics of .181/.227/.340 with 13 home runs across 343 plate appearances.
In 2023, Diaz spent time in the minor leagues with the Baltimore Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate before opting for a fresh start in the Mexican League at the outset of the 2024 season. Following a successful stint there, he caught the attention of scouts from the KBO, leading to his signing with the Lions for the final month of the season.
Record-Breaking Performance in 2025
The year 2025 has seen Diaz elevate his game significantly. He has achieved remarkable offensive numbers, batting .302/.368/.625 through 598 plate appearances. His season totals include 26 doubles, 48 home runs, and an impressive 144 runs batted in (RBIs).
As he approaches the end of the regular season, Diaz is on the verge of breaking multiple records. The KBO single-season home run record is held by Seung-yeop Lee, who hit 56 home runs in 2003. Diaz’s current total of 48 home runs ties him with Yamaico Navarro for the record of home runs hit by a foreign-born player, achieved in 2015. Additionally, he has already surpassed the previous foreign player RBI record set by ByungHo Park, who drove in 146 runs in 2015. With six games left in the season, Diaz stands a strong chance of breaking Park’s overall RBI record.
Diaz’s remarkable resurgence in the KBO underscores not only his individual talent but also the global nature of baseball, where players seek opportunities to shine on international stages. As the postseason approaches, fans and scouts alike are eager to see if Diaz can continue his record-breaking performance and solidify his place in KBO history.
