Wendle ranked first among all rookies in wins above replacement (4.3) batting average (.302), on-base percentage (.350), and triples (six), as well as second in hits 146, doubles 33, and runs batted in (62).
Wendle became the first Rays player to hit .300 since 2011 and the first rookie ever to accomplish this feat for the Rays. As of this writing, he was tied for the majors’ lead in sacrifice flies (10).
The Rays named Wendle their 2018 Outstanding Rookie, and he finished fourth in voting for the American League’s Rookie of the Year award.
Starting at second base, Wendle aimed to play every day of the season in 2019. After tagging out Jake Marisnick attempting to steal second base on March 31, Wendle was put on the 10-day disabled list.
3 weeks after that, he was activated. Due to a hit by pitch fracture in his right wrist on April 24, he was placed back on the disabled list.
As a whole, Wendle appeared in 75 games this season. Rays outfielder Wendle appeared in five postseason games, with two singles in 10 at-bats, as Houston Astros won in five games to advance to the ALDS finals.
The Rays used Wendle as a starter 50 times in 2020, despite his status as a back-up. To give Willy Adames and Brandon Lowe a break while platooning with Yandy Diaz at third base, he displayed his defensive versatility.
How Much Does Joey Wendle Make?
Joe Wendle earns a salary of $4,625,000 per year on average. Wendle will be paid $4,550,000 per year starting in 2022.