Bio
Jonathan Araúz joins the Explorers for the 2026 season, bringing major-league experience and a versatile presence to the X’s infield. The Panamanian switch-hitter arrives in Siouxland following a decade-long professional career that has included multiple MLB organizations, international competition, and productive stints in Triple-A and the Mexican League.
Araúz spent the 2025 season with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League, where he produced one of the strongest offensive stretches of his career. In 40 games, he hit .310 while posting a .437 on-base percentage and a .548 slugging percentage. He added five home runs, 26 RBI, and three stolen bases.
Prior to his time in Mexico, Araúz spent the 2024 season in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He appeared in 60 games, recording 21 RBI and three home runs while providing defensive flexibility at both shortstop and second base. His release in July 2024 marked the end of a two-year stretch that included time with the New York Mets, where he appeared in 27 major-league games in 2023 and matched career highs with three home runs and nine RBI.
Araúz’s MLB career began with the Boston Red Sox, who selected him in the 2019 Rule 5 Draft. He made his major-league debut in 2020 and appeared in parts of three seasons with Boston, highlighted by a .250 batting average in his rookie campaign. He later spent time with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022 before joining the Mets the following season.
Internationally, Araúz has been a consistent contributor for Panama. He played a key role in the nation’s successful qualification for the 2023 World Baseball Classic and appeared in both the 2023 and 2026 WBC tournaments.
Originally signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as a 16-year-old international free agent in 2014, Araúz developed through the Houston Astros system before reaching the major leagues. Throughout his minor-league career, he has demonstrated power potential and the ability to handle multiple infield positions.