WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup alum Jordan Diaz to play for NPB's Orix Buffaloes

The Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) signed utility Jordan Diaz from Colombia. Born in 2000, Diaz represented Colombia in the Junior PanAm Games 2021 and the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2021, contributing to a gold and a bronze medal respectively.

He has played professional baseball since 2016, when he signed for the Oakland Athletics. He played first, second, third base and catcher in the minor leagues and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2022. He elected free agency after the 2024 season.

"I'm very happy," he said during a press conference. "I've heard Japanese baseball is very competitive and I'm looking forward to it."

"My strength is hitting and I will try to contribute as much as possible with my bat," he added.

Diaz confirmed that he specialised as a corner infielder but added: "I'm willing to play in whatever position the team needs me."