Esteury Ruiz, born on February 15, 1999, in Azua, Dominican Republic, made his MLB debut in 2022. However, it was his 2023 rookie season with the Oakland Athletics that truly put him on the map. He stole an astounding 67 bases, setting a new American League rookie record and showcasing a level of speed rarely seen in modern baseball. This remarkable feat immediately positioned him as one of the game’s most exciting baserunners, capable of turning routine singles into scoring opportunities and disrupting opposing pitchers and defenses. His sprint speed, which Statcast measured as league-leading at 30.5 feet per second in his rookie year, underscores his exceptional athleticism.
Beyond just the raw numbers, Ruiz’s base-stealing ability is a testament to his instincts and aggressive approach on the basepaths. He exhibits a keen awareness of pitchers’ tendencies and an uncanny knack for timing his jumps, making him a constant threat once he reaches base. This skill set is particularly valuable in today’s MLB, where new rules have further incentivized aggressive base running.
A Rollercoaster Journey: From Athletics to Dodgers
Ruiz’s career, while marked by his record-breaking speed, has also been characterized by a series of organizational changes. He began his professional journey with the Kansas City Royals, then moved through the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers organizations before landing with the Oakland Athletics as part of a significant three-team trade in December 2022. This trade, which notably involved Sean Murphy, brought Ruiz to Oakland, where he had his breakout rookie year.
However, the 2024 season saw a challenging period for Ruiz. After just 29 games with the Athletics, where he batted .200 with 2 home runs and 5 stolen bases, he was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in April. This move came amidst the Athletics’ efforts to reshape their roster and explore different offensive approaches. Later, in April 2025, Ruiz was designated for assignment by the Athletics and subsequently acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for pitching prospect Carlos Duran.
The move to the Dodgers, a team known for its deep roster and ability to develop talent, presents a new chapter for Ruiz. While he was initially sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City, his presence in the Dodgers’ clubhouse in early June 2025 suggested a potential return to the big league roster due to possible injuries to other players, such as Tommy Edman. In Triple-A Oklahoma City, Ruiz has continued to showcase his speed, batting .274 with 27 stolen bases, 3 home runs, and 20 RBIs over 45 games, demonstrating his ongoing offensive potential and base-stealing prowess at that level.
Current Status and Recent Developments
As of June 2025, Esteury Ruiz is with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, primarily playing for their Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Baseball Club. He was acquired by the Dodgers from the Oakland Athletics in early April 2025, a trade that saw the Athletics receive pitching prospect Carlos Duran. This move came after Ruiz was designated for assignment by Oakland, signaling a desire for a fresh start for both player and team.
The trade to the Dodgers is a significant development in Ruiz’s career. The Dodgers are a perennial contender with a deep and talented roster, but also an organization known for its strong player development system. While he hasn’t immediately cracked the Dodgers’ big league roster, his strong performance in Triple-A suggests he’s making strides. Reports indicate he was seen in the Dodgers’ clubhouse in early June, hinting at a potential call-up due to other players’ injuries, particularly with Tommy Edman being out of the lineup. This demonstrates that the Dodgers view him as a valuable depth piece, especially given his elite speed and defensive capabilities.
Esteury Ruiz’s 2025 Triple-A Performance
Ruiz’s performance in Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2025 has been promising, indicating that he is refining his offensive game and continuing to utilize his speed effectively. Through 45 games with Oklahoma City, he has maintained a batting average of .274. More impressively, he has stolen 27 bases, adding to his career tally and reaffirming his status as one of the game’s premier base stealers. He has also shown some pop with 3 home runs and 20 RBIs in Triple-A, a good sign for a player whose main offensive knock has been his power and on-base consistency. His on-base percentage in Triple-A, which has been around .386, is particularly encouraging as it suggests he is getting on base at a much higher rate, a crucial factor for a player with his speed.
These numbers illustrate that Ruiz is finding more consistent success at the plate in the minors, which is a necessary step for him to earn a more permanent role in the majors. The Dodgers are likely looking for him to sustain this offensive improvement, especially in terms of plate discipline and getting on base, before giving him extended opportunities at the big league level.
Defensive Capabilities and Overall Impact
While his speed on the basepaths is his most celebrated asset, Esteury Ruiz also brings a dynamic element to the outfield. His exceptional sprint speed, consistently ranking among the best in MLB, allows him to cover significant ground in center field. This range is a major asset and can turn potential extra-base hits into outs.
However, his defensive metrics have shown mixed results. In 2023, while he had a respectable two outs above average, his defensive runs saved ranked last among qualified Major League outfielders. This suggests that while his pure speed enables him to get to many balls, his routes, jumps, and overall defensive instincts can still be improved. Under the Dodgers’ coaching staff, there’s potential for him to refine these aspects of his game, becoming a more complete and reliable defender.
His value to a team goes beyond just his individual stats. His presence on base creates chaos for opposing pitchers and catchers, forcing them to alter their focus and potentially leading to mistakes. This disruptive element is something that analytics-driven teams like the Dodgers appreciate, as it can generate runs even without a hit.
FAQs
What is Esteury Ruiz known for?
Esteury Ruiz is primarily known for his exceptional speed and base-stealing ability. His 67 stolen bases in his 2023 rookie season set an American League rookie record, making him one of the most exciting baserunners in MLB. His ability to disrupt defenses and create runs with his legs is his defining characteristic.
What is Esteury Ruiz’s batting average?
Across his MLB career through the 2024 season, Esteury Ruiz holds a .243 batting average. While his 2024 MLB stint with the Athletics saw a .200 average, his Triple-A performance in 2025 suggests a potential for improvement and a more consistent offensive contribution. His career on-base percentage is .297, highlighting the need for him to improve his ability to get on base more frequently to fully leverage his elite speed.
What is Esteury Ruiz’s fantasy baseball outlook?
For fantasy baseball, Esteury Ruiz’s primary value lies in his elite stolen base potential. While his batting average and on-base percentage have been inconsistent in the majors, the sheer volume of stolen bases he can provide makes him an intriguing asset in categories leagues. His recent strong performance in Triple-A suggests he still has the potential to contribute offensively, particularly if he can improve his plate discipline and get on base more frequently. His outlook is largely tied to his playing time and whether he can secure a consistent role at the MLB level, where his speed can be a game-changer.
What was Esteury Ruiz’s role with the Oakland Athletics in 2024?
In 2024, Esteury Ruiz’s role with the Oakland Athletics was initially as an outfielder, attempting to build on his successful rookie campaign. However, due to his struggles at the plate and the team’s roster adjustments, he was optioned to Triple-A and eventually designated for assignment. His time with the Athletics in 2024 was limited to 29 games before his trade to the Dodgers.
Looking Ahead: The Dodgers and Beyond
Esteury Ruiz’s acquisition by the Los Angeles Dodgers marks a potentially significant turning point in his career. The Dodgers are known for their analytical approach and their ability to optimize player strengths. While Ruiz’s offensive game still has areas for improvement, particularly in terms of consistency and on-base skills, his elite speed is an undeniable weapon. The Dodgers might view him as a valuable bench piece, a pinch-runner, and a defensive asset in the outfield, especially in high-leverage situations or during the postseason.
The challenge for Ruiz will be to translate his Triple-A success into sustained MLB performance. If he can improve his plate discipline and make more consistent contact, his speed will become even more impactful. The Dodgers’ player development system could be the ideal environment for him to refine his skills and become a more well-rounded player. The saga of Esteury Ruiz is a compelling one, showcasing the unpredictable nature of professional baseball and the ongoing quest for players to find their footing and maximize their unique talents. His speed will always make him a threat, and his journey with the Dodgers will be one to watch closely.
Esteury Ruiz stands at a pivotal point in his burgeoning career. His electrifying speed and record-setting base-stealing ability have already etched his name into the MLB record books, making him one of the most exciting players to watch when he’s on the basepaths. However, his journey has been one of adaptation and continuous improvement, particularly as he seeks to solidify his offensive game. The move to the Los Angeles Dodgers organization represents a fresh opportunity for Ruiz to harness his unique talents within a system renowned for its player development and strategic utilization of diverse skill sets. While he’s currently honing his craft in Triple-A, his strong performance there, particularly in terms of getting on base and continuing his base-stealing prowess, is a positive indicator.
The ultimate success of Esteury Ruiz will hinge on his ability to translate his minor league offensive improvements to the major league level. If he can consistently get on base, even with a modest batting average, his game-changing speed will become an even more potent weapon for the Dodgers, whether as a starting outfielder, a pinch-running specialist, or a defensive late-game replacement. His defensive work, too, remains an area where refinement could elevate his overall value. In an era where speed and aggressive base running are increasingly valued, Esteury Ruiz possesses a rare and coveted commodity. His future with the Dodgers, a team known for maximizing player potential, will be a compelling narrative to follow, as he strives to become a more complete and impactful everyday major leaguer.
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