John Jaso's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 12th round of the 2003 MLB Draft. A catcher by trade, Jaso worked his way through the minor leagues, honing his skills and preparing for the challenges of the big leagues. His major league debut came on September 6, 2008, with the Tampa Bay Rays, marking the start of a career that would see him play for several teams over nearly a decade.
Jaso's first full season in the majors was in 2010 with the Rays. That year, he quickly established himself as a reliable presence behind the plate and at the top of the batting order. Known for his keen eye and patience, Jaso led all American League rookies in on-base percentage, a testament to his disciplined approach at the plate. His ability to get on base made him an asset to the Rays' lineup, and he played a crucial role in helping the team reach the postseason.
In 2012, Jaso was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he continued to demonstrate his offensive capabilities. His time with the Mariners was marked by a career-high batting average of .276 and an impressive on-base percentage of .394 in 2012. These statistics highlighted his proficiency in getting on base and his value as a leadoff hitter.
The following year, Jaso was traded to the Oakland Athletics. His tenure with the Athletics was unfortunately marred by injuries, including a concussion that sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2013 season. Despite these setbacks, Jaso remained a productive player when healthy, contributing both as a catcher and designated hitter.
In 2015, Jaso returned to the Rays in a trade, but his role began to shift. The Rays utilized him more as a designated hitter and outfielder, reducing his time behind the plate. This transition was partly due to the lingering effects of his previous injuries, which made catching more challenging. Nevertheless, Jaso adapted to his new roles and continued to provide value with his bat.
The final chapter of Jaso's career unfolded with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he signed as a free agent before the 2016 season. With the Pirates, Jaso took on yet another new role, this time as a first baseman. This position change allowed him to stay in the lineup regularly while minimizing the physical toll on his body. In his first season with the Pirates, Jaso hit for the cycle on September 28, 2016, becoming the first player to do so at PNC Park.
Jaso's career concluded after the 2017 season. Over the course of his time in the majors, he was known for his adaptability and his ability to contribute offensively in various roles.
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