The Cuban baseball sensation, Victor Mesa Jr., is on a roll. The outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays smashed his 14th home run of the season on Sunday, sending a powerful shot to right-center field during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field.
The ball rocketed off his bat at 103.9 mph, traveling a distance of 403 feet after connecting with a 94.9 mph fastball from left-hander Patrick Sandoval, as reported by Pelota Cubana USA.
This home run extended Tampa Bay's lead to 5-0 at that point. The Rays ultimately triumphed with a 5-1 victory, pushing their record to 95-60 as they compete for playoff spots in the American League.
Historically, this marked Mesa Jr.'s 15th career home run in Major League Baseball, his third against left-handed pitchers in 2026, and also his third against Boston, the team he's hit the most homers against. With this performance, the Havana native has achieved 31 RBIs this season.
Unexpected Success in Tampa Bay
Mesa Jr.'s emergence with the Rays has been one of the standout surprises in the MLB for 2026. Just back in February, the Miami Marlins designated him for assignment before the Rays acquired him in exchange for pitcher Ángel Brachi. This seemingly minor move turned out to be one of the most profitable trades of the year for Tampa Bay.
A Week to Remember
The high point of his season thus far came during the week of September 8-13, when Major League Baseball named him the American League Player of the Week. During this period, he hit .556 with an OBP of .636, a slugging percentage of 1.278, and an OPS of 1.914, amassing three home runs and six RBIs in that impressive stretch.
Legacy and Background
Born in Havana on August 9, 2001, Mesa Jr. is the son of legendary Cuban ballplayer Victor Mesa, who played 19 seasons in Cuba's National Series and won an Olympic gold medal in Barcelona in 1992. Victor Jr. left Cuba with his older brother, Victor Victor Mesa, in May 2018 and signed with the Marlins in October of that year with a $1 million bonus.
After spending years in the minors without securing a spot on the Marlins' Major League roster, the move to Tampa Bay provided the opportunity he needed. The Cuban player has made the most of it, turning his rookie season into one for the books.
With 14 home runs, 31 RBIs, and a team fighting for a postseason berth, Mesa Jr. still has several games ahead to continue making his mark in Major League Baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions about Victor Mesa Jr.'s MLB Success
How many home runs did Victor Mesa Jr. hit in his rookie season?
Victor Mesa Jr. hit 14 home runs during his rookie season with the Tampa Bay Rays.
What notable achievement did Mesa Jr. earn in September 2026?
In September 2026, Victor Mesa Jr. was named the American League Player of the Week for his outstanding performance, including hitting .556 with three home runs.
Which team traded Victor Mesa Jr. to the Tampa Bay Rays?
Victor Mesa Jr. was traded from the Miami Marlins to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for pitcher Ángel Brachi.