Alejandro De Aza, a Dominican-born outfielder, embarked on his Major League Baseball (MLB) journey with the Florida Marlins. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2001, De Aza spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Marlins in 2007. His initial stint in the majors was brief, as he appeared in only 45 games over two seasons with Florida, battling injuries that limited his playing time.
In 2009, De Aza was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox, where he gradually found more opportunities to showcase his abilities. By 2011, he had become a regular fixture in the White Sox lineup, known for his speed and defensive prowess in the outfield. De Aza's breakout season came in 2012 when he played 131 games, hitting .281 with 9 home runs and 50 RBIs. His performance on the field was complemented by his ability to steal bases, swiping 26 bags that year.
De Aza continued to be a reliable presence for the White Sox through the 2013 season, maintaining a solid batting average and contributing both offensively and defensively. However, in 2014, his time with Chicago came to an end when he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in August. With the Orioles, De Aza provided a spark during their playoff push, hitting .293 in 20 games and helping the team reach the postseason.
The following year, De Aza's journey through MLB continued as he was traded to the Boston Red Sox in June 2015. His tenure in Boston was short-lived, as he was designated for assignment later that year and subsequently signed by the San Francisco Giants. De Aza finished the 2015 season with the Giants, appearing in 24 games and providing depth to their outfield.
In 2016, De Aza signed with the New York Mets, where he played 130 games, primarily as a backup outfielder. His role with the Mets was more limited compared to previous seasons, but he still managed to contribute with his experience and versatility. The following year, De Aza joined the Washington Nationals on a minor league deal, eventually making it back to the majors for a brief stint.
Throughout his MLB career, De Aza was known for his speed, defensive skills, and ability to play all three outfield positions.
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