Utility player Tim Tawa has been a find for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has demonstrated to everyone that he is a valuable addition to the team. Lately, he has shown his adaptability by playing both the infield and the outfield.
Tim Tawa Off to Steady Start for Diamondbacks
Multi-Sport Athlete
Tawa was a three-time Gatorade Football Player of the Year in Oregon and had a record-breaking high school football career. As a quarterback, he threw for nearly 12,000 yards. During his senior year, he had an astounding 55 touchdowns while throwing just one interception. He chose to play baseball for the Stanford Cardinal, appearing in 184 games. He drove in 123 runs and hit 28 home runs.
How He Arrived
The Diamondbacks selected Tawa in the 11th round of the 2021 MLB draft. After signing, he split the season between the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Diamondbacks and Single-A Visalia. In 2022, he split time between High-A Hillsboro and Double-A Amarillo, and in 2023 and 2024, he was with Amarillo and Triple-A Reno.
Not a Top Prospect
Tim Tawa has succeeded early on in the majors despite never being a top-30 prospect in the organization. However, his versatility and athleticism, which allow him to play all positions except pitcher and catcher, captivated the Diamondback coaches. In November of last year, he was added to the 40-man roster and invited to spring training.
Called Up
Although he did not make the big-league roster out of camp, Tawa was called up in early April to cover for the injured Ketel Marte. He made his MLB debut against the Washington Nationals at second base. He recorded his first career hit, RBI, and run scored in that game.
Super Utility
Since his arrival, Tawa has demonstrated the ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions. When Marte returned from the IL, Tawa was moved to the outfield. Since he had played multiple positions in the minors, the term “super utility player” has been used to describe him. He accepted the challenge to play in the outfield. His ability to fill in where needed provides the team flexibility and makes him an asset. Tawa discussed this while a guest on a local sports talk show in Arizona.
.@Dbacks utility man Tim Tawa joined @wolf987FM and @LukeLapinski earlier today and discussed his versatility.
Full interview: https://t.co/YZSqevA6JC pic.twitter.com/gltlLPZ81t
— Wolf & Luke on Arizona Sports (@WolfandLuke) May 22, 2025
On Offense and Defense
On offense, Tawa has shown some power with six home runs. At .226, his average is not where it should be, but he has demonstrated a keen eye for selecting pitches. He has shown both good plate discipline and approach. Tawa also has shown speed on the bases and has scored 20 runs. His athleticism has been a pleasant surprise in centerfield as well; his speed in running down some hits is what you usually see from a veteran.
Tawabunga dude
pic.twitter.com/046DPAB1Q6
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 25, 2025
Rest of the Season
Tim Tawa’s flexibility became his ticket to the major leagues. Look for him to stay on the big-league roster throughout the rest of the season, filling in at any position when called upon. Having a “super utility player” in Tawa is an added benefit to a team in a playoff run. His versatility will enable him to make significant contributions. One of those contributions will be filling in when players need days off. This should keep them rested, fresh, and loose throughout the rest of the season and heading into the postseason.
Main Photo Credit: © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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