Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Jonny DeLuca

Jonathan Davis DeLuca (born July 10, 1998) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the of (MLB). Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 195 pounds, he bats and throws right-handed. DeLuca grew up in , and attended in Agoura Hills, where he was a four-year letterwinner and two-time team captain as a standout sprinter, long jumper, and leadoff hitter. Despite being selected by the in the 39th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, he opted to attend the , playing for the Ducks from 2018 to 2019. In college, he appeared in 111 games, posting a .228 batting average with 11 home runs and 72 RBIs, while also excelling in summer collegiate leagues like the (2017) and (2018), where he hit .296 with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox. The selected DeLuca in the 25th round (761st overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of . He progressed rapidly through the minors, showcasing power and speed; in 2022, he combined for 25 home runs across and Double-A affiliates, and in 2023, he batted .292 with 17 home runs between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A . DeLuca made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on June 7, 2023, appearing in 24 games and hitting .262 with two home runs. On December 16, 2023, the Rays acquired DeLuca and pitcher from the Dodgers in exchange for pitcher and outfielder . In his first full MLB season with in 2024, he played 107 games, batting .217 with six home runs, 31 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases, though he missed time after breaking his right hand in . In 2025, DeLuca was projected as the Rays' primary following the November 2024 trade of José Siri to the , but multiple injuries limited him to 20 games, where he batted .333 (19-for-57) with zero home runs, four RBIs, and six stolen bases. He suffered a right in April, leading to a 60-day placement on May 24; after rehab, he was activated in late July before a left on August 6 and a right quad during subsequent rehab ended his season in September. Through the 2025 season, he has a .237 , eight home runs, 41 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases in 151 games.

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Jonathan Davis DeLuca was born on July 10, 1998, in Thousand Oaks, California. DeLuca grew up in a supportive household in Thousand Oaks, a suburban community in the Los Angeles area, though public details about his parents and any siblings remain limited. As a child, he developed an early passion for baseball, influenced by the vibrant sports culture of Southern California and his proximity to major league venues. Living approximately 45 minutes from , DeLuca became a dedicated fan of the from a young age, frequently attending games and idolizing players like . This fandom, combined with community influences, sparked his involvement in local youth , fostering his athletic development before transitioning to organized high school sports.

High school career

DeLuca attended in , where he was a four-year letterman in from 2013 to 2017. As a versatile multi-sport athlete, he excelled in as a speedy and , while also competing in as a sprinter in the 100 meters and a long jumper. His early fandom for the fueled his passion for the sport throughout his prep years. In , DeLuca was a key contributor to the Agoura Chargers' , serving as a two-time team captain in his later years and earning recognition as the 29th-ranked overall prospect and fifth-ranked in . During the 2015 season, he posted a .309 with an of .373, recording 21 , 16 runs, 8 RBIs, and 8 stolen bases—ranking fifth in the Marmonte for steals—over 29 games played. DeLuca's track and field prowess complemented his baseball speed, as he participated when his schedule allowed, often balancing both sports during the spring season. In 2016, as a junior, he achieved a wind-aided long jump of 22 feet, 10.5 inches—the top mark among juniors in the CIF Southern Section—while also running the 100 meters to enhance his base-stealing ability, which saw him swipe 12 bags early in the baseball season. Balancing athletics with academics, DeLuca maintained a 3.8 GPA. Following his senior year, he was selected by the in the 39th round (1,161st overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft but opted not to sign, choosing instead to attend the to further his development.

College career

DeLuca committed to the out of high school and enrolled in the fall of 2017, beginning his collegiate playing career with in the 2018 season. He appeared in two seasons for Oregon, primarily as an , contributing to the team's efforts in play. As a in 2018, DeLuca started 54 of 55 games in center field, adjusting to collegiate competition with a .212 , six home runs—setting a new record—and six stolen bases. His power potential was evident early, though he focused on refining his approach amid a challenging debut year. Defensively, he showcased strong range and arm strength in the outfield, laying the groundwork for later recognition. That summer, DeLuca played for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in the , batting .296 in 39 games. In his junior season of 2019, DeLuca established himself as a starter in all 56 games, batting .239 with five home runs, 40 RBI, and a breakout 13 stolen bases that highlighted his speed— a carryover from his high school track background. He earned Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honorable mention for his .979 fielding percentage and reliable coverage in center field, while also receiving Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention for his performance in the classroom. DeLuca's contributions helped Oregon to a 27-29 overall record, including key moments like a walk-off single against Washington in conference play. Over his , DeLuca hit .226 with 11 home runs and 19 stolen bases in 111 games, demonstrating growth in power hitting and plate discipline that improved his to .295. Scouts noted his athleticism and defensive skills, ranking him as the 405th overall prospect in the 2019 MLB Draft class by Baseball America. Following his junior year, DeLuca decided to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2019 MLB Draft.

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

DeLuca was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 25th round, with the 761st overall pick, of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft out of the University of Oregon. He signed with the organization for a $300,000 bonus. DeLuca made his professional debut that summer with the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers, where he batted .273 with one home run and nine stolen bases over 26 games. His speed from college translated effectively to the basepaths in this early assignment, allowing him to swipe bags at a solid clip. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the , so DeLuca did not play any games that year. In 2021, DeLuca began the season with the of the , hitting .287 with 15 home runs and 13 stolen bases in 57 games. He earned a late-season promotion to the of the , where he posted a .232 average with seven home runs and seven stolen bases across 44 games. Overall that year, he combined for a .264 average, 22 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in 101 games between the two levels. DeLuca opened 2022 back at , batting .245 with 18 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 73 games. He received a midseason promotion to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers of the , where he excelled with a .298 average, seven home runs, and five stolen bases in 25 games. Across both stops, his 2022 performance yielded a .260 average, 25 home runs, and 17 stolen bases in 98 games. Through the end of 2022, DeLuca's career stood at a .263 average with 48 home runs and 46 stolen bases over 225 games. In 2023, DeLuca returned to Double-A Tulsa, where he hit .276 with 8 home runs in 32 games before a to Triple-A on May 16. With , he batted .306 with 9 home runs in 41 games. Overall in 2023 minors, he hit .294 with 17 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 73 games. Despite minor setbacks, DeLuca showed consistent progression through the Dodgers' system, reaching Double-A by mid-2022. Scouts praised his combination of plus running speed—graded at 60—and emerging power potential, along with above-average outfield defense and range.

Los Angeles Dodgers

DeLuca was promoted to the major leagues by the on June 4, 2023, from Triple-A , and made his MLB debut three days later on June 7 against the in , where he started in right field and recorded his first hit later that month. In 24 games with the during the 2023 regular season, he batted .262 with 11 hits, including 2 s and 6 , while stealing 1 base and playing solid defense in all three positions. His first came on July 4, 2023, as a pinch-hitter, delivering a go-ahead solo shot in the eighth inning against the at , which earned him a from the crowd. Primarily utilized as a reserve outfielder and pinch-runner, DeLuca leveraged his plus speed—honed in the minors—to contribute in late-game situations, appearing in 45 plate appearances overall and providing depth amid injuries in the Dodgers' . Notable defensive highlights included back-to-back spectacular catches in center field on July 21 against the , where he made a diving grab on and then robbed of extra bases with a full-extension snag, helping secure a 4-0 win. On December 16, 2023, the Dodgers traded DeLuca and pitcher to the in exchange for pitcher , outfielder , and cash considerations, ending his brief but memorable tenure with the organization. A lifelong Dodgers fan from nearby , who often attended games at as a child, DeLuca described his time in as a dream fulfilled, offering promising exposure to big-league competition despite limited playing time.

Tampa Bay Rays

DeLuca joined the as part of a December 2023 trade that sent pitcher and outfielder to the in exchange for DeLuca, pitcher , and cash considerations. DeLuca began the 2024 season on the due to a broken right hand suffered in and made his debut on May 3. He established himself as the team's primary by midseason. In 2024, DeLuca appeared in 107 games, batting .217 with 6 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases while posting a .278 . He began the year in a role against left-handed pitchers but transitioned to an everyday starter by midseason, contributing solid defense in center field with several highlight-reel plays, including a game-saving catch in against the Yankees. His speed and gap power helped the Rays' outfield unit rank among the league's top five in defensive efficiency. Entering 2025 as the Rays' primary following the November 2024 trade of to the Mets, DeLuca's season was limited by injuries to 20 games, in which he batted .333 with 0 home runs, 4 RBIs, and 6 stolen bases. He was placed on the 10-day on April 8 with a right strain, returning after a rehab . He then suffered a left strain on , leading to another stint, and a right quad strain in September during rehab at Triple-A , resulting in a season-ending placement on the 60-day . Through 2025, DeLuca has appeared in 127 games for the Rays, showcasing a speed-power profile with analysts noting his 20/20 potential based on elite sprint speed (29.2 feet per second) and improving plate discipline. The Rays adjusted his role to emphasize on-base skills and base-stealing, positioning him as a dynamic when healthy.

References

  1. [1]
    Jonny DeLuca Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
    Jonny DeLuca Bio ; Fullname: Jonathan Davis DeLuca ; Born: 7/10/1998 in Thousand Oaks, CA ; Draft: 2019, Los Angeles Dodgers, Round: 25, Overall Pick: 761 ; College ...
  2. [2]
    Jonny DeLuca - Baseball - University of Oregon Athletics
    A four-year letterman at Agoura High School in Agoura Hills, Calif., as well as a two-time team captain ... The 29th-ranked overall prospect and fifth-ranked ...
  3. [3]
    Jonny DeLuca Amateur, College & Minor Leagues Statistics
    Positions: Centerfielder, Rightfielder and Leftfielder ; Bats: Right • Throws: Right ; Team: Tampa Bay Rays (majors) ; Born: July 10, 1998 in Thousand Oaks, CA us.
  4. [4]
    Press release: RAYS ACQUIRE RYAN PEPIOT & JONNY DELUCA ...
    Dec 16, 2023 · The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired right-handed pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny DeLuca from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  5. [5]
    Jonny DeLuca To Be Rays' Primary Center Fielder In 2025
    Nov 19, 2024 · After trading Jose Siri to the Mets earlier today, the Rays have revealed that Jonny DeLuca will be their primary center fielder next season.
  6. [6]
    Jonny DeLuca Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
    Status: Active ; Born: 7/10/1998 in Thousand Oaks, CA ; Draft: 2019, Los Angeles Dodgers, Round: 25, Overall Pick: 761 ; College: Oregon ; MLB Debut: 6/07/2023 ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  7. [7]
    Jonny Davis DeLuca - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays
    Professional left fielder that was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 25th round of the 2019 Major League Draft.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  8. [8]
    'He's a baseball player': Jonny DeLuca ready for his MLB debut
    Jun 7, 2023 · A standout sprinter and long jumper and speedy leadoff man for most of his high school career, DeLuca was a 39th-round pick of the Minnesota ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  9. [9]
    Jonny DeLuca called up by Dodgers - MLB.com
    Jun 4, 2023 · 20 prospect per MLB Pipeline, grew up about 45 minutes from Dodger Stadium and has plenty of memories attending games. On Sunday, DeLuca was ...
  10. [10]
    For fast-rising outfielder Jonny DeLuca, Dodger Stadium debut ...
    Jun 1, 2023 · Ever since he graduated from Agoura High School, the story of Jonny DeLuca's baseball career is that he hasn't stayed in one place for very long ...
  11. [11]
    Jonny Deluca: From Dodger fan to Dodger player - Baseball Amore
    He made his MLB debut in 2023 for the Los Angeles Dodgers before being traded to Tampa Bay in the offseason with Ryan Pepiot for Tyler Glasnow and Manuel ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    Jonny Deluca's High School Career Home - Max Preps
    Check out Jonny Deluca's high school sports timeline including updates while playing baseball at Agoura High School (CA).Missing: Conejo | Show results with:Conejo
  13. [13]
    Jonny DeLuca of Agoura is the rare baseball/track athlete
    Mar 28, 2016 · DeLuca decided to also participate in track this season when he's available, and this month he recorded the top long jump mark in the Southern ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  14. [14]
    DeLuca is dynamo on diamond, track - The Acorn
    Apr 7, 2016 · IN THE LANE—Jonny DeLuca, an Agoura High junior, is a star for the baseball and track and field teams. He also has a 3.8 grade-point average.
  15. [15]
    Jonny DeLuca Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
    Check out the latest Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More of Jonny DeLuca. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, draft status, ...
  16. [16]
    Steer, Nelson Named First-Team All-Pac-12 Conference
    May 29, 2019 · Sophomore outfielder Jonny DeLuca and junior first baseman Gabe Matthews both claimed honorable mention All-Defensive Team honors. Steer is also ...
  17. [17]
    Jonny DeLuca's walk-off single sends Oregon Ducks past ...
    Mar 17, 2019 · Jonny DeLuca's walk-off single sends Oregon Ducks past Washington in Pac-12 baseball · Updated: Mar. 17, 2019, 5:03 p.m. · | Published: Mar. 17, ...Missing: University awards<|control11|><|separator|>
  18. [18]
    https://goducks.com/news/2019/5/29/baseball-steer-nelson-named-first-team-all-pac-12-conference.aspx
  19. [19]
    DeLuca ditches Ducks for Dodgers - The Register-Guard
    Jul 12, 2019 · DeLuca, who was drafted in the 25th round, received a signing bonus of $300,000, according to Jim Callis of MLB.com. Callis reported the ...
  20. [20]
    Jonny DeLuca - Dodgers Top Prospects | MiLB.com
    Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45. A standout sprinter and long jumper as a California high schooler, DeLuca ...Missing: school GPA
  21. [21]
    Andy Pages homers again, Jonny DeLuca promoted to Double-A
    Jul 5, 2022 · Outfielder Jonny DeLuca was promoted to Double-A on Monday, and was 1-for-4 in his first game with the Drillers, at designated hitter.
  22. [22]
    Nick Robertson, Jonny DeLuca make MLB debuts for Dodgers in ...
    Jun 8, 2023 · Five Dodgers have made major league debuts in 2023, with DeLuca and Robertson joining Michael Busch (April 25), Gavin Stone (May 3), and Bobby ...
  23. [23]
    Jonny Deluca smashes his first career HR in the 8th - MLB.com
    Jul 4, 2023 · Jonny Deluca crushes a pinch-hit, go-ahead solo shot for the first home run of his career, giving the Dodgers a 7-6 lead in the 8th.
  24. [24]
    2023 Dodgers in review: Jonny DeLuca - True Blue LA
    Nov 24, 2023 · Jonny DeLuca made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 2023 and played all three outfield positions in his roughly two months on the ...
  25. [25]
    Jonny Deluca makes two incredible catches in a row in Dodgers' win
    Jul 21, 2023 · Outfielder Jonny Deluca, the organization's No. 19 prospect per MLB Pipeline, made two spectacular defensive plays in center field on back-to-back batters in ...
  26. [26]
    Jonny DeLuca Career Stats - MLB - ESPN
    Complete career MLB stats for the Tampa Bay Rays Center Fielder Jonny DeLuca on ESPN. Includes games played, hits and home runs per MLB season.
  27. [27]
    Jonny DeLuca - Stats - Batting | FanGraphs Baseball
    Jonny DeLuca career batting statistics for Major League, Minor League, and postseason baseball.
  28. [28]
    Jonny DeLuca News - RotoWire
    DeLuca has already been ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering a right quad strain at Triple-A Durham, so the Rays will move him to the 60-day IL to ...
  29. [29]
    Jonny DeLuca Stats: Statcast, Visuals & Advanced Metrics
    08/31/2023, Los Angeles Dodgers optioned OF Jonny Deluca to Oklahoma City Dodgers. ; 08/31/2023, Los Angeles Dodgers activated OF Jonny Deluca from the 10-day ...