Lucas Duda

Lucas Christopher Duda (born February 3, 1986) is an American professional baseball first baseman who is a free agent. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals. He made his MLB debut in 2010 for the Mets. Prior to playing professionally, Duda attended the University of Southern California (USC) and played college baseball for the USC Trojans. Duda, who bats left-handed and throws right-handed, has also appeared in the outfield for the Mets.

Lucas Duda
Duda with the Royals in 2018
Free agent
First baseman
Born: (1986-02-03) February 3, 1986
Fontana, California
Bats: Left Throws: Right
MLB debut
September 3, 2010, for the New York Mets
MLB statistics
(through July 23, 2019)
Batting average.239
Home runs156
Runs batted in470
Teams
Duda with the Mets in 2016

Early life

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]

Professional career

Minor leagues
Duda with the Binghamton Mets in 2010.

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 Short Season Single-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]

New York Mets

2010
Duda with the New York Mets in 2010

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]

2011

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]

2012

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]

2013

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]

2014

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]

2015
Duda batting for the Mets in 2015

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]

2016

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.

2017

On April 3, Duda was the starting first basemen for the Opening Day, going 1–3, logging one walk, one strike-out 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.

Tampa Bay Rays

On July 27, 2017, Duda was traded 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.

Kansas City Royals

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.

Atlanta Braves

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]

Minnesota Twins

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 on March 20, 2019.[45]

Second stint with Royals

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, 2019 after hitting .171 in 119 appearances. He was then released outright on the next day.

Second stint with Braves

On August 5, 2019, Duda signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves.[48] The team released Duda on August 27, 2019.[49]

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References
  1. "Profile". ESPN. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  2. Rubin, Adam (September 2, 2010). "Duda debuts on meaningless Mets night; Cramps hamper rookie as Amazin's start September on bad note". ESPN. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  3. "Lucas Duda Called Up To The Majors By The New York Mets; He becomes the 97th former Trojan to play in the major leagues". USC Trojans. September 1, 2010. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  4. "Lucas Duda Register Statistics & History – Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved January 19, 2016.
  5. "Mets Select Contract of Lucas Duda". milb.com. August 31, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  6. Martino, Andy (September 2, 2010). "Duda named Bisons MVP, Misch best pitcher". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on September 7, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  7. Martino, Andy (September 2, 2010). "New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia excited about starting game Saturday against Chicago Cubs". New York Daily News. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  8. McCullough, Andy. "Mets wrapup: Angel Pagan's absence, Jonathon Niese's mistakes and Lucas Duda's homer". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
  9. McCullough, Andy (September 2, 2010). "As injuries weaken lineup, Mets turn to outfielder Lucas Duda". Newark Star Ledger. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  10. "Lucas Duda Fielding Statistics and History". Baseball Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  11. "Lucas Duda Batting Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  12. "Mets honor top Minor League prospects". Mlb.mlb.com. September 15, 2010. Retrieved December 11, 2010.
  13. Mazzeo, Mike (April 10, 2011). "Mets calling up two relievers". espn.go.com. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
  14. "Duda demoted to Triple-A to make way for Harvey". MLB.com. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  15. "Lucas Duda To Be Recalled By Mets". CBS News New York. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
  16. "Mets' Lucas Duda breaks wrist moving furniture". Yahoo! Sports. November 6, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  17. "Mets Place Duda On 15-Day Disabled List". CBS News New York. Retrieved June 23, 2013.
  18. "Duda activated from DL, optioned to Triple-A". MLB. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  19. McShane, Chris (August 24, 2013). "Mets recall Lucas Duda, option Mike Baxter to Las Vegas". Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  20. Arangure Jr., Jorge (April 4, 2014). "Starting Duda Pays Off as Mets Win Their First". New York Times. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  21. Schonbrun, Zach (April 18, 2014). "Davis Is Traded to Pirates". New York Times. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
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  23. Berry, Adam (November 20, 2014). "Longoria's third homer isn't enough in Japan finale". Major League Baseball. Retrieved May 20, 2015.
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  25. "Rapid Reaction: Mets 3, Nationals 2". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  26. "Believe that: Mets win first East title since '06". MLB.com. Retrieved September 26, 2015.
  27. Anthony DiComo [@@AnthonyDiComo] (October 4, 2015). "Ouch! Lucas Duda snaps a tie with Ron Hunt in 1963 and John Olerud in 1997 with 14 hit-by-pitches, the most in single-season #Mets history" (Tweet). Retrieved November 3, 2015 – via Twitter.
  28. Major League Leaderboards » 2016 » Batters » Batted Ball Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball
  29. "NY Mets at Chi Cubs – 2015-10-21 – Major League Baseball – Yahoo! Sports". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved January 19, 2016.
  30. Langosch, Jenifer (October 22, 2015). "Duda ties Mets playoff RBI mark in just 2 innings". MLB.com. Major League Baseball. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  31. "Lucas Duda's throw will haunt Mets". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  32. "2015 World Series (4–1): Kansas City Royals (95–67) over New York Mets (90–72)". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
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  34. "Cabrera, Syndergaard lead Mets past Braves 6–0 in opener". ESPN.com. April 4, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2017.
  35. "Mets' Flores, Duda Headed To Disabled List. On July 27th 2017 Duda was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for Pitcher Drew Smith". CBS Sports. April 21, 2017. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  36. Adler, David. "Mets place Duda, Flores on disabled list". MLB. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  37. DiComo, Anthony. "Lucas Duda has setback in return from elbow injury". MLB. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  38. Feinsand, Mark (July 27, 2017). "Rays land Duda in deal with Mets". MLB.com. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  39. Flanagan, Jeffrey (February 28, 2018). "Royals sign first baseman Duda to 1-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved August 29, 2018.
  40. "Royals sign Lucas Duda to one-year deal". ESPN.com. February 28, 2018. Retrieved August 29, 2018.
  41. Bowman, Mark (August 29, 2018). "Braves acquire Lucas Duda from Royals". MLB.com. Retrieved August 29, 2018.
  42. McDowell, Sam (August 29, 2018). "Royals trade impending free-agent first baseman Lucas Duda to Atlanta". Kansas City Star. Retrieved August 29, 2018.
  43. Neal III, La Velle E. (February 9, 2019). "Twins sign Duda, announce spring invites". Star Tribune. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  44. "Twins sign Lucas Duda, Adam Rosales to minor league deals, invite both to camp". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 9, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  45. "Twins release veteran Duda, send four players to the minors". Star Tribune. March 20, 2019.
  46. Flanagan, Jeffrey (March 22, 2019). "Duda could serve as lefty option off KC's bench". MLB.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  47. Grathoff, Pete; McDowell, Sam (April 26, 2019). "Royals recall hot-hitting Kelvin Gutierrez from Class AAA Omaha". Kansas City Star. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  48. Burns, Gabriel (August 5, 2019). "Braves sign Lucas Duda to minor-league deal". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  49. "Braves release 1B Lucas Duda". Rockdale Newton Citizen/Clayton News-Daily. August 27, 2019. Archived from the original on August 27, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2019. Alt URL

Preceded by
Ike Davis		 Mets Organizational Player of the Year
2010		 Succeeded by
Josh Satin
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