One of Auburn’s best infielders in recent history is continuing to climb up the minor league ranks.
Thursday, former Auburn shortstop [autotag]Ryan Bliss[/autotag] learned that he will be moving up in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization by advancing to Triple-A Reno after a successful campaign at Double-A Amarillo.
Bliss has been on a tear this season with the Amarillo Sod Poodles in the Texas League. In 68 games, Bliss hit .358 with 105 hits, 25 doubles, four triples, and 12 home runs. He sent home 47 runs and stole 30 bases.
With Bliss now being one step away from the show, Sports Illustrated sheds light on Bliss’ path to Arizona.
FanGraphs rates his total offensive output to be 62% better than the average Texas League hitter, with a 162 wRC+. The strong season has improved the likelihood his bat could play in the major leagues. Defensively he profiles best to play second due to a below-average arm, although he is blocked by Ketel Marte. Marte is signed through the 2026 season, so Bliss will need to be an above-average bat to take over at second long term.
Bliss spent three seasons on the Plains from 2019-21. He started all 134 games of his collegiate career, and posted a .328 average, with 176 hits, 20 home runs, 99 RBI, and 22 stolen bases. His junior season was his most productive, where he hit .365 with 14 doubles, 15 home runs, 45 RBI, and six stolen bases.
Bliss now joins a long list of former Tigers that currently compete in Triple-A, which includes [autotag]Keegan Thompson[/autotag], [autotag]Steven Williams[/autotag], [autotag]Ben Braymer[/autotag], and [autotag]Daniel Robert[/autotag].
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