Lucas Duda | |
---|---|
First baseman | |
Born: Fontana, California, U.S. | February 3, 1986|
Batted: Left Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
September 1, 2010, for the New York Mets | |
Last MLB appearance | |
July 26, 2019, for the Kansas City Royals | |
MLB statistics | |
Batting average | .239 |
Home runs | 156 |
Runs batted in | 470 |
Stats at Baseball Reference | |
Teams | |
Lucas Christopher Duda (born February 3,1986) is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2010 to 2019 for the New York Mets,Tampa Bay Rays,Atlanta Braves,and Kansas City Royals. He was the starting first baseman for the 2015 Mets team that won the National League pennant,and led the team in games played during the 2010s.
Prior to playing professionally,Duda attended the University of Southern California (USC) and played college baseball for the USC Trojans.
Duda was born in Fontana,California,on February 3,1986,to David and Eleanor Duda. [1] He attended Arlington High School in Riverside,California. [2] [3] Duda then enrolled in the University of Southern California (USC), [1] where he played college baseball for the USC Trojans baseball team from 2005 through 2007. [3] Duda played 143 games for the Trojans,hitting 11 home runs,with 81 runs batted in,and a .275 batting average. [3]
Duda was selected by the New York Mets in the seventh round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft,as the 243rd overall selection. [1] He began his professional career in 2007 with the Single–A Brooklyn Cyclones of the Low–A New York–Penn League,where he batted .299,with 32 runs batted in,32 runs,and 4 home runs. During the following winter,he played on the Waikiki BeachBoys of Hawaii Winter Baseball,batting .340,with 13 runs batted in,12 runs,and 3 home runs. In 2008,he played for the St. Lucie Mets of the Single–A Florida State League,where he batted .263,with 66 runs batted in,58 runs,11 home runs. For the 2009 season,Duda was promoted to the Double–A Binghamton Mets,where he batted .281,with 53 runs batted in,49 runs,and 9 home runs. During the fall of 2009,Duda played for the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League,where he in 5 at–bats batted .400,with 2 runs batted in and no home runs. [4]
Duda began the 2010 season continuing to play for the Double–A Binghamton Mets,and was promoted to the Triple–A Buffalo Bisons on June 14. [5] While in Buffalo,Duda homered in five consecutive games,tying a Bisons record. [5] In 70 games for Buffalo,Duda hit 17 home runs,2 triples,23 doubles,and had 53 runs batted in,while compiling a .314 batting average. [5] At the end of the season,the Bisons named him their Most Valuable Player. [6]
On August 31,2010,the Mets announced that Duda would be added to the major league roster as part of their September call-ups. [5] [7] Duda made his major league debut on September 1,against the Atlanta Braves,facing starting pitcher Tommy Hanson,whom he played against in high school. [2] He went hitless in three at-bats,but made a "stellar sliding catch" in the outfield. [2] [7] Duda had to leave the game in the eighth inning due to hamstring cramps,which he said came from dehydrating while on the plane from Buffalo to Atlanta. [2] On September 17,2010,again batting against Hanson,Duda hit his first career major-league home run. [8] Former Mets manager Jerry Manuel watched Duda during batting practice when he was first called up to the Majors and noted that Duda reminded him of Magglio Ordóñez or Moisés Alou. [9]
With Ike Davis starting at first base,Duda's primary position in the minor leagues,all of Duda's playing time came in left field. [10] He batted .202 for the year. [11] The Mets named Duda their Sterling Organizational Player of the Year in 2010. [12]
On April 10,2011,Duda was optioned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. [13]
On August 8,2011,batting in the cleanup spot for the first time in his major league career,Duda picked up his first major-league walk-off hit,with a two-run single off of Padres closer and former Mets reliever Heath Bell. He batted .292 for the season. [11]
Duda was selected as the starting right fielder for the Mets to begin the 2012 campaign. On April 7,2012,Duda had his first multi-homer game,hitting two solo shots off the Atlanta Braves in a 4–2 Mets' victory. Going into June 26,Duda was hitting .269 with a team-high 11 home runs,yet from June 26 to July 24 Duda was hitting .138 with one home run and a .200 slugging percentage. [14] The sub par batting performance coupled with poor fielding prompted his being demoted to Triple-A Buffalo. [14]
On August 26,the Mets recalled Duda from Buffalo. It was the 26-year-old's second stint in the majors during the 2012 season. [15] He batted .239 for the season. [11]
In October,Duda broke his right wrist while moving furniture at his home in South California,and had surgery on November 5. However,Duda returned in time for spring training. [16]
On June 23,Duda was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained muscle between his ribs. [17] Following a rehabilitation stint,Duda was activated and then immediately optioned to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s. [18] Duda was recalled on August 24. [19] He batted .223 for the season. [11] With Ike Davis still occupying first base,Duda played the majority of his defensive games in the corner outfield positions for the fourth consecutive season. [10]
On April 4,Mets manager Terry Collins announced that Duda would get the bulk of the playing time at first base over Ike Davis. Later that night,Duda hit two 2-run home runs in a 4–3 victory against the Cincinnati Reds. [20] On April 18,after a positional battle which lasted several seasons and a struggle with valley fever,Ike Davis was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Zack Thornton and a player to be named later,later revealed to be Blake Taylor. This was done in order to make room for Duda as the starting first baseman. [21]
On August 1,Duda hit his 20th home run of the season against the San Francisco Giants' pitcher Ryan Vogelsong. Duda had never reached the 20 home run mark before the 2014 season. On September 28,Duda hit his career high 30th home run of the season. That home run put him at 92 runs batted in,another career high. He finished the year leading the Mets in home runs,RBI,on-base percentage,slugging percentage and total bases,his first time doing so any of those categories. [22]
In November,Duda represented Major League Baseball in the 2014 Major League Baseball Japan All-Star Series. He went 4-for-10 with two walks in the exhibition series. [23]
On July 29,during a 7–3 loss to the San Diego Padres,Duda became the eleventh Mets player to hit three home runs in a single game,and only the second Met to do so at home after Kirk Nieuwenhuis had accomplished the feat less than a month before. Duda set a Mets franchise record on August 1 when eight of his consecutive hits came in the form of home runs;he and teammate Noah Syndergaard were named National League Co-Players of the Week for the week ending on August 2. [24] [25] On September 26,Duda hit his first career grand slam in the Mets' 10–2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. That victory clinched the NL East division title for the New York Mets. [26] On the final day of the season,Duda was hit by a pitch from the Washington Nationals' Tanner Roark,giving him 14 total HBP on the season and breaking the Mets single season record,previously shared by John Olerud and Ron Hunt. [27] For the season,he had the highest fly ball percentage (50.6%),and the lowest ground ball percentage (27.4%),of all major league hitters. [28]
In the fourth game of the 2015 NLCS,Duda batted in five runs to help the Mets sweep the Chicago Cubs and advance to the 2015 World Series. [29] His five RBI was tied for the most by a Mets player in a single postseason game,a feat previously accomplished by Curtis Granderson in the 2015 NLDS,Carlos Delgado in the 2006 NLCS,Edgardo Alfonzo in the 1999 NLCS and Rusty Staub in the 1973 World Series. [30]
Duda's errant throw to home in the 9th inning of Game 5 of the World Series with 2 outs and the Mets leading 2–1 allowed Eric Hosmer to score the tying run,and cost the Mets the game when the Kansas City Royals won in 12 innings,completing their World Series championship. [31] Duda ultimately went 5-for-19 with no extra base hits,two walks and seven strikeouts in the series. [32]
On January 12,2016,the Mets re-signed Duda to a 1-year contract. On May 23,the Mets placed Duda on the 15-day disabled list with a stress fracture in his lower back. He was replaced on the roster by Ty Kelly. [33] Duda was batting .231 with a .297 OBP and .431 SLG with seven HR and 19 RBIs in 39 games.
On April 3,Duda was the starting first baseman for Opening Day,going 1–3,logging one walk,one strikeout and hitting a three-run double in the bottom of the seventh off Eric O'Flaherty against the Atlanta Braves. [34] On April 21,the Mets placed Duda on the 10-day disabled list,two days after he suffered a hyperextended left elbow in a collision at first base with Philadelphia Phillies baserunner César Hernández. [35] [36] [37] Through 75 games,Duda hit .246 with 17 home runs and 37 runs batted in.
On July 27,2017,the Mets traded Duda to the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league pitcher Drew Smith. [38] He batted .175 for Tampa Bay. He became a free agent after the season.
Duda signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals on February 28,2018. [39] [40] In his first at-bat as a Royal,he hit a three-run home run on Opening Day in the first inning against James Shields. Duda was the Royals' designated hitter for the first half of the season,hitting .242 with 13 home runs and 48 runs batted in.
The Atlanta Braves acquired Duda and cash considerations from the Royals in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations on August 28,2018. [41] [42]
On February 9,2019,Duda signed a minor-league contract with the Minnesota Twins that included an invitation to spring training. [43] [44] Duda was released by the Twins prior to the start of the season on March 20. [45]
On March 22,2019,Duda signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals. [46] He was placed on the injured list on April 26 with a lumbar strain injury. [47] He was designated for assignment on July 27,after hitting .171 in 119 plate appearances. He was then released outright on the next day.
On August 5,2019,Duda signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves. [48] In 16 games for the Triple–A Gwinnett Stripers,he slashed .140/.235/.211 with one home run and five RBI. Duda was released by the Braves organization on August 27. [49]
On October 4,2024,Duda was hired to serve as the hitting coach at Lipscomb University. [50]
Andruw Rudolf Jones is a Curaçaoan former professional baseball center fielder who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB),most notably for the Atlanta Braves. Jones also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers,Texas Rangers,Chicago White Sox,and New York Yankees,and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. Jones was a noted defensive specialist for most of his career and won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award for outfielders every year from 1998 through 2007. He had a strong throwing arm in addition to his elite fielding. He was an MLB All-Star five times,and he won both the Hank Aaron Award and a Silver Slugger Award for outfielders in 2005.
Robinson JoséCanóMercedes is a Dominican-American professional baseball second baseman for the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League;he also captains the Estrellas Orientales of the Dominican Professional Baseball League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees,Seattle Mariners,New York Mets,San Diego Padres,and Atlanta Braves.
Jeffrey Braden Francoeur,nicknamed "Frenchy",is an American former professional baseball right fielder,who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves,New York Mets,Texas Rangers,Kansas City Royals,San Francisco Giants,San Diego Padres,Philadelphia Phillies,and Miami Marlins. When his playing days ended,he became a broadcaster;Francoeur is currently one of the lead television analysts for Atlanta Braves games,as well as doing various work for TBS. He also hosts a podcast called "Pure Athlete" that serves as a resource for coaches,parents,and kids going through the process of youth athletics.
Nicholas William Markakis is a Greek-American former professional baseball right fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 15 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves. Markakis was the Orioles' first-round draft pick in the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft,and made his MLB debut in 2006. Markakis is a three-time Gold Glove Award winner,and he won a Silver Slugger Award and was named an MLB All-Star in 2018. Markakis previously held the MLB record for consecutive games by an outfielder without making an error (398). Markakis retired prior to the start of the 2021 season.
Daniel Cooley Uggla is an American former professional baseball second baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins,Atlanta Braves,San Francisco Giants,and Washington Nationals. In 2010,Uggla won the Silver Slugger Award at second base.
Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones Jr. is an American former professional baseball third baseman who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves from 1993 to 2012. The Braves chose Jones with the first overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft. He was also a member of their 1995 World Series championship team that beat the Cleveland Indians. An eight-time All-Star,Jones won the 1999 National League (NL) Most Valuable Player Award and the 1999 and 2000 NL Silver Slugger Award for third basemen. He was the MLB batting champion in 2008 after hitting .364.
Jason Alias Heyward,nicknamed "J-Hey",is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves,St. Louis Cardinals,Chicago Cubs,Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros.
Michael Steven Hessman is an American former professional baseball first baseman and third baseman. He is currently a hitting coach for the Toledo Mud Hens. He played in MLB for the Atlanta Braves,Detroit Tigers,and New York Mets,and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Orix Buffaloes.
Eric Orlando Young Jr. is an American professional baseball former outfielder and current first base coach for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the Colorado Rockies,New York Mets,Atlanta Braves,New York Yankees,and Los Angeles Angels. He was the National League stolen base leader in 2013.
Frederick Charles Freeman is a Canadian and American professional baseball first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Freeman made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2010 and played with them for 12 seasons. After the Braves won the 2021 World Series over the Houston Astros,Freeman entered free agency and signed a six-year,$162 million contract with the Dodgers.
Travis Emmanuel d'Arnaud is an American professional baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the New York Mets,Los Angeles Dodgers,Tampa Bay Rays,and Atlanta Braves. He made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Mets. D'Arnaud won a Silver Slugger Award in 2020 and was a member of the 2021 World Series champions with the Braves. He was an MLB All-Star in 2022.
Ryan Edward Flaherty is an American professional baseball coach and former infielder. He is the current bench coach for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles,Atlanta Braves,and the Cleveland Indians. Flaherty was a utility player,having played every position except for center field and catcher. Flaherty was the bench coach for the San Diego Padres from 2020 to 2023.
Jorge Carlos Soler Castillo is a Cuban professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs,Kansas City Royals,Atlanta Braves,Miami Marlins,and San Francisco Giants.
Marcell Ozuna Idelfonso,nicknamed "the Big Bear",is a Dominican professional baseball designated hitter and outfielder for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals. He made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Marlins.
Eddie Manuel Rosario,Jr. is a Puerto Rican professional baseball left fielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins,Cleveland Indians,Atlanta Braves,and Washington Nationals.
Adam Lynn Duvall is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants,Cincinnati Reds,Atlanta Braves,Miami Marlins,and Boston Red Sox. Duvall played college baseball at the University of Louisville. Duvall was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 11th round of the 2010 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2014. He was an All-Star in 2016.
Darío Rafael Álvarez Espinal is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets,Atlanta Braves,and Texas Rangers.
The 2015 New York Mets season was the 54th season in the franchises' history. The Mets finished the regular season with a record of 90–72,winning the National League East title on September 26,their first division title since 2006 and sixth overall. They defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS in five games and swept the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS. They lost to the Kansas City Royals in five games in the 2015 World Series. It was the Mets' first appearance in the World Series since 2000 when they lost to the New York Yankees. It marked the team's first winning season since Citi Field opened in 2009.
Ronald JoséAcuña Blanco Jr. is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). After signing with the Braves as an international free agent in 2014,Acuña made his MLB debut in 2018,and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
The 2019 New York Mets season was the franchise's 58th season and the team's 11th season at Citi Field. Despite improving on their 77–85 campaign from last year by 9 games with an 86–76 record,they were three games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for a wild card spot and thus missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Their division rival,the Washington Nationals,went on to win the World Series.