The Cuban outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. continues his impressive streak with the Tampa Bay Rays. On Saturday, he smashed his ninth home run of the 2026 season, contributing to a 3-2 win over the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, as reported by journalist Francys Romero.
Mesa Jr.'s powerful hit came in the fourth inning off starting pitcher George Kirby, who delivered a four-seam fastball clocked at 97.0 mph.
The Havana native answered with a massive drive to right field, launching the ball at 105.7 mph with a 27-degree angle, covering a distance of 412 feet, according to official MLB data.
This homer tied the game at 1-1 at that point, and the Rays ultimately emerged victorious with a 3-2 score.
Mesa Jr. is experiencing a remarkable offensive surge: over his last three games, he has accumulated five hits and four extra-base hits, a streak that highlights his growing confidence at the plate.
With this latest home run, the Cuban raised his season's batting line to .220/.293/.461, with 19 RBIs and an OPS of .754 across 141 at-bats.
Overcoming Challenges to Shine in MLB
Mesa Jr.'s journey to this point was far from easy. The Miami Marlins designated him for assignment in early February, and Tampa Bay acquired him shortly after in exchange for infielder Angel Brachi.
After being optioned to Triple-A with the Durham Bulls in March, he was called up to the Major Leagues on May 24, 2026, and has since secured his place on the Rays' active roster.
The Havana-born player, son of the legendary Cuban baseball figure Victor Mesa Martinez, defected from Cuba in 2018 alongside his brother Victor Victor Mesa to pursue a career in MLB, initially signing with the Marlins.
Building a Legacy in Tampa Bay
His first MLB home run came on his birthday, September 9, 2025, against the Washington Nationals while still with Miami.
Now boasting nine home runs and 19 RBIs this season, Mesa Jr. is establishing himself as a valuable asset for Tampa Bay, and his recent performance suggests that his home run tally will continue to rise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Victor Mesa Jr.
Who is Victor Mesa Jr.?
Victor Mesa Jr. is a Cuban outfielder currently playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball.
How many home runs has Victor Mesa Jr. hit this season?
As of now, Victor Mesa Jr. has hit nine home runs during the 2026 MLB season.
What challenges did Victor Mesa Jr. face in his MLB career?
Victor Mesa Jr. faced challenges such as being designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins before being acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays, and working his way up from Triple-A to secure his spot in the Major Leagues.