Adeiny Hechavarría Barrera (born April 15, 1989) is a Cuban professional baseball shortstop for the Olmecas de Tabasco of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. He has also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chiba Lotte Marines.

Adeiny Hechavarría
Hechavarria with the Omaha Storm Chasers in 2023
Olmecas de Tabasco – No. 10
Shortstop
Born: (1989-04-15) April 15, 1989 (age 35)
Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Professional debut
MLB: August 4, 2012, for the Toronto Blue Jays
NPB: April 30, 2021, for the Chiba Lotte Marines
MLB statistics
(through 2020 season)
Batting average.253
Home runs37
Runs batted in273
NPB statistics
(through 2022 season)
Batting average.213
Home runs6
Runs batted in44
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Early life

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Hechavarria was born in Santiago de Cuba in Cuba to Diosmede and Mirta Hechavarria. He has an older brother, Alien.[1]

Hechavarria participated in a Pan American tournament in Mexico in 2006,[2] and played shortstop for the Cuban Junior National team in 2008.[1] In 2009, he defected to Mexico on a boat with 11 others.[2] Agents and other representatives of the Toronto Blue Jays watched him play in workouts in the Dominican Republic, and signed him after his visa paperwork went through in 2010.[2][3]

Professional career

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Toronto Blue Jays

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On April 13, 2010, Hechavarria signed a four-year, $10 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[3] He was assigned to extended spring training and first appeared in a game with the Dunedin Blue Jays of the High–A Florida State League. On June 30, 2010, Hechavarria was promoted to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats of the Eastern League, where he recorded a .273 batting average and .303 on-base percentage.[4]

 
Hechavarria with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012

On August 4, 2012, Hechavarria was called up to the Toronto Blue Jays active roster for the first time. Hechavarria had a .312 batting average and had scored 78 runs in 102 games with the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific Coast League (PCL).[5] He appeared in the Triple-A All-Star Game for the PCL.[6]

Hechavarria played third base in his debut due to Brett Lawrie's oblique strain.[7] Hechavarria finished his debut 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and one walk.[8] Hechavarria recorded his first career hit on August 7, against the Tampa Bay Rays.[9] Hechavarria was returned to Las Vegas on August 25, when Yunel Escobar returned to the Jays from paternity leave.[10] Hechavarria was recalled on August 26 when José Bautista and David Cooper were added to the disabled list.[11] Hechavarria hit his first career home run, a solo shot off starter Phil Hughes, in a game against the New York Yankees on August 28, 2012.[12]

Miami Marlins

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On November 19, 2012, Hechavarria was traded to the Miami Marlins along with Henderson Álvarez, Jeff Mathis, Yunel Escobar, Jake Marisnick, Anthony DeSclafani, and Justin Nicolino, in exchange for Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, José Reyes, John Buck, and Emilio Bonifacio.[13] On January 29, 2013, Hechavarria was named number 82 on MLB's Top Prospects list.[14]

Hechavarria was the Marlins' starting shortstop for the first 14 games of the 2013 season until he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sore throwing arm.[15] He was activated from the disabled list on May 2. On May 5, Hechavarria hit a bases-loaded triple and a grand slam against Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies.[16] On June 8, Hechavarria had an RBI single off Shaun Marcum to score Plácido Polanco in what would be the game winner, as the Marlins beat the Mets in 20 innings.[17] Overall, Hechavarria appeared in 148 games for Miami during the 2013 season. He batted .227./.267/.298, with 3 home runs and 42 runs batted in. He also recorded 8 triples and went 11–for–21 in stolen base attempts.[18]

Hechavarria played in 146 games during the 2014 season. His average climbed to .276, 49 percentage points higher than the previous season. He had one home run, 34 runs batted in, and 10 triples.[18] In 2015, Hechavarria made 130 appearances for the Marlins. He batted .281, hit 5 homers, and drove in 48 runs.[18] He was named the National League Player of the Week on April 26 after posting a .500 batting average and 10 RBI during the preceding week.[18][19]

During the 2016 season, Hechavarria appeared in 155 games. His batting average fell to .236. He had three home runs and 38 runs batted in.[18] His .311 slugging percentage was the lowest of all qualified major league batters.[20] He also had the lowest Isolated Power of all MLB players in 2016, at .075.[21]

On May 10, 2017, Hechavarria went on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle.[22] In mid-June he played in 10 rehab games.[22]

Tampa Bay Rays

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Hechavarria with the Rays in 2017

On June 26, 2017, the Marlins traded Hechavarria to the Tampa Bay Rays for minor leaguers Braxton Lee and Ethan Clark.[22] Hechavarria finished the year with a .267 batting average and a career high 8 home runs.[23]

On April 26, 2018, Hechavarria broke Chris Gomez's 2002 franchise record by recording 242 consecutive chances without an error. He also owns the Rays franchise record for 71 consecutive games without an error.[24] On August 1, 2018, Hechavarria was designated for assignment to clear space for the newly acquired Tommy Pham.[25]

Pittsburgh Pirates

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On August 6, 2018, Hechavarria was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Matt Seelinger. The Pirates also received cash considerations in the trade.[26]

New York Yankees

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On August 31, 2018, the Pirates traded Hechavarria to the New York Yankees for a player to be named later.[27] On October 3, 2018, Hechavarria played in his first ever postseason game, the 2018 American League Wild Card Game. He entered the game in the sixth inning as a defensive replacement for Miguel Andújar.[28]

New York Mets

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On February 18, 2019, Hechavarria signed a minor league, spring training invite deal with the New York Mets.[29] On May 3, Hechavarria triggered an opt-out clause in his deal, and the Mets selected his contract to their MLB roster. He was designated for assignment on August 9 to make room for newly signed second baseman Joe Panik. He was released on August 14.[30] With the Mets in 2019 he batted .204/.252/.359 with five home runs and 18 RBIs.[31]

Atlanta Braves

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On August 16, 2019, the Atlanta Braves signed Hechavarria to fill the Braves' shortstop vacancy with Dansby Swanson on the injured list.[32] In 2018 with the Braves he batted .328/.400/.639 in 61 at bats with four home runs and 15 RBIs.[31] With both teams combined, in 2019 he batted .241/.299/.443 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs.[31]

On January 16, 2020, the Braves re-signed Hechavarría to a one-year deal worth $1 million.[33]

In 2020 he batted .254/.302/.305 with seven runs, no home runs, and two RBIs in 59 at bats, playing second base primarily, as well as third base and shortstop.[31]

Chiba Lotte Marines

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On December 25, 2020, Hechavarria signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball on a one-year, $970K contract.[34] On April 30, 2021, Hechavarria made his NPB debut. He played in 79 games for the team in 2021, slashing .203/.222/.314 with 4 home runs and 24 RBI. In 2022, Hechavarria hit .222/.251/.300 with 2 home runs, 20 RBI, and four stolen bases.

Atlanta Braves (second stint)

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On January 30, 2023, Hechavarria signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves organization.[35] Hechavarria went 1-for-11 in spring training before he was released by the Braves on March 22.[36]

Long Island Ducks

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On April 11, 2023, Hechavarria signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[37] In 38 games for the Ducks, Hechavarria hit .297/.382/.538 with 7 home runs and 34 RBI.

Kansas City Royals

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On June 16, 2023, Hechavarria's contract was purchased by the Kansas City Royals organization.[38] In 36 games for the Triple–A Omaha Storm Chasers, he batted .221/.291/.425 with 6 home runs and 24 RBI. On August 14, Hechavarria was released by Kansas City.[39]

Olmecas de Tabasco

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On January 8, 2024, Hechavarria signed with the Olmecas de Tabasco of the Mexican League.[40] In 70 games he hit .249/.312/.414 with 8 home runs and 25 RBIs.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Girandola, Chris (April 23, 2010). "Hechavarria begins pro journey". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c Davidi, Shi (February 20, 2011). "Hechavarria settles in with Blue Jays". The Globe and Mail. The Canadian Press. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  3. ^ a b Bastian, Jordan (April 14, 2010). "Jays complete signing of Hechavarria". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2010.
  4. ^ "Adeiny Hechavarria Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
  5. ^ Estes, Ben Hechavarria (August 4, 2012). "Cecil sent down as Jays make flurry of moves". Archived from the original on June 18, 2013. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  6. ^ "Toronto Blue Jays' prospect Adeiny Hechavarria trying to find his way | MLB | Sports | National Post". Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  7. ^ Griffin, Richard (August 4, 2012). "A's beat Blue Jays in 15 innings costing Cecil his rotation spot". Archived from the original on August 6, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  8. ^ Estes, Ben (August 4, 2012). "Hechavarria makes big league debut". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
  9. ^ Elliott, Ben (August 7, 2012). "Happ loses first Jays start". Toronto Sun. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
  10. ^ Chisholm, Gregor (August 24, 2012). "Hechavarria, Gose sent down to Triple-A". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  11. ^ Chisholm, Gregor (August 25, 2012). "Bautista exits Saturday, placed on disabled list". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
  12. ^ "Hughes goes seven strong as Yankees down Blue Jays". TSN.ca. August 28, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  13. ^ "MLB approves mega-deal between Blue Jays and Marlins". TSN.ca. November 19, 2012. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  14. ^ Fordin, Spencer (January 29, 2013). "Sanchez, Osuna named to Top 100 Prospects list". MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  15. ^ "Marlins put Hechavarria on 15-day DL". April 18, 2013. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
  16. ^ "Hechavarria hits grand slam and triple off Halladay as Marlins thrash Phillies". TheGuardian.com. Associated Press. May 6, 2013. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  17. ^ "Hechavarria leads Marlins to win in 20th". Associated Press. June 8, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  18. ^ a b c d e "Adeiny Hechavarria Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  19. ^ Walansky, Larry (April 27, 2015). "Marlins Shortstop Hechavarria Named NL Player Of The Week". nbcmiami.com. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  20. ^ "Major League Leaderboards » 2016 » Batters » Dashboard | FanGraphs Baseball". www.fangraphs.com.
  21. ^ "Major League Leaderboards » 2016 » Batters » Dashboard | FanGraphs Baseball". www.fangraphs.com.
  22. ^ a b c Crasnick, Jerry (June 26, 2017). "Rays acquire SS Adeiny Hechavarria from Marlins in exchange for 2 minor leaguers". espn.com. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
  23. ^ "Adeiny Hechavarria Stats | Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  24. ^ "Marc Topkin on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  25. ^ "Rays cut Hechavarria to make room for Pham". ESPN.com. August 1, 2018.
  26. ^ "Pirates acquire Adeiny Hechavarria from Rays". MLB.com. August 6, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  27. ^ "MLB trade news: Yankees acquire shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria from Pirates". www.sportingnews.com.
  28. ^ "Adeiny Hechavarria makes incredible catch for Yankees in AL Wild Card Game". North Jersey. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  29. ^ DiComo, Anthony (February 18, 2019). "Mets ink SS Hechavarria to Minors deal". MLB.com. MLB. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  30. ^ Byrne, Connor (August 14, 2019). "Mets To Release Adeiny Hechavarria". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  31. ^ a b c d "Adeiny Hechavarria Stats". Baseball-Reference.com.
  32. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 16, 2019). "Braves ink Hechavarria amid flurry of moves". MLB.com. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  33. ^ Bowman, Mark (January 16, 2020). "Braves bring back Hechavarría on 1-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  34. ^ "Adeiny Hechavarria Signs with NPB's Chiba Lotte Marines". December 25, 2020.
  35. ^ "Braves' Adeiny Hechavarria: Gets NRI deal with ATL". cbssports.com. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  36. ^ "Adeiny Hechavarria Stats, Fantasy & News".
  37. ^ "Ducks Sign Nine-Year MLB Veteran Adeiny Hechavarria". Long Island Ducks. April 11, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  38. ^ "Adeiny Hechavarria's Contract Purchased by Kansas City Royals". oursportscentral.com. June 16, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  39. ^ "Transactions".
  40. ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 08 de enero de 2024". milb.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
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