Reno’s Offensive Thunder Leads the Aces to a Playoff Run in 2024

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Aces were an offensive powerhouse during the 2024 season, establishing themselves as the most formidable offense in the Pacific Coast League and earning their ticket into the PCL playoffs. The Aces led the PCL with a .286 batting average and 1,490 hits while recording just 1,137 strikeouts—the second fewest behind the El Paso Chihuahuas. Additionally, Reno ranked second in several key offensive categories, including runs (910), doubles (310), total bases (1,490), RBIs (871), and slugging percentage (.475).

Adrian Del Castillo: Emerging Star

Adrian Del Castillo was the standout star of the Aces' offensive success in 2024, earning the Pacific Coast League MVP title. The #14 overall prospect in Arizona's system significantly impacted his 105 games with Reno, posting a remarkable slash line of .312/.399/.603. He recorded 36 doubles, three triples, 26 home runs, and 75 RBIs while leading the PCL in slugging percentage (.603), OPS (1.002), and total bases (249).

The 25-year-old's season took off in May when he was named the PCL Player of the Month and the D-backs Minor League Player of the Month. During this stretch, Del Castillo hit .359/.412/.641, leading the league with 37 hits and 66 total bases.

Del Castillo's success led to his promotion to the MLB on August 7. He immediately impacted with a .313 batting average (25-for-80) in 25 games. He contributed five doubles, four home runs, and 19 RBIs, including a memorable moment when he became only the fifth D-back in history to collect an extra-base hit and an RBI in his first career at-bat.

His remarkable 2024 season he solidified his status as a future cornerstone for the franchise.

Pivotal Performers

Bryson Brigman enjoyed a standout season, claiming the Pacific Coast League batting title with a .334 average. Since stepping into an everyday role, Brigman's performance has been noteworthy; he led the PCL in average (.390), on-base percentage (.442), and hits (55) while ranking third in RBIs (32) since the beginning of August. He capped off the season with a three-hit finale against the Albuquerque Isotopes on August 22, solidifying his place as the league's batting champion.

Tim Tawa also played a significant role in the Aces lineup. After struggling to begin the season with Reno, he was demoted to Double-A Amarillo, where he excelled. In 105 games with the Sod Poodles, the Stanford product slashed .270/.340/.487 with 21 home runs and 64 RBIs during his time with Amarillo. At the time of his promotion to Reno, Tawa led the Texas League in home runs (21), extra-base hits (45), and total bases (200). Following his promotion to Reno on August 20, he hit .340/.419/.717 in 28 games, leading the PCL in total bases (76) and tying for the top spot in home runs (10) and extra-base hits (19). The 25-year-old was rewarded as the PCL Player of the Week (8/20-8/25) after going 9-for-24 (.375), leading the PCL with six extra-base hits, and driving in five runs against the Las Vegas Aviators. Tawa is poised to be a key contributor for the Aces in 2025.

Key Departures

As the season progressed, Reno's lineup experienced significant changes, losing key players at the trade deadline and to promotions to Arizona. One of those departures was Andres Chaparro, who was traded to the Washington Nationals. In 95 games with the Aces, Chaparro hit .332/.403/.564 with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs. He played a crucial role in Reno's franchise-best 12-game winning streak at the end of June and the beginning of July, contributing walk-off hits in back-to-back games during the Fourth of July weekend and batting .465 with seven extra-base hits over that stretch. Following his trade, Chaparro made his big-league debut and excelled, collecting 16 extra-base knocks in 33 games with the Nationals.

Deyvison De Los Santos was another impactful player who moved at the trade deadline. He was traded to the Miami Marlins for left-handed reliever AJ Puk. The exciting power-hitting outfielder was promoted to Reno after leading the Texas League in nearly every offensive category early in the season. In 40 games with the Aces, De Los Santos slashed .289/.338/.588, with 14 doubles, 14 home runs, and 47 RBIs. He notably drove in eight RBIs in a two-home-run game against the Oklahoma City Baseball Club at the end of June. He finished the season leading all minor league baseball in home runs (40), RBIs (120), and total bases (307).

Albert Almora: The Captain

Albert Almora emerged as a crucial part of the Aces' success in 2024, leading minor league baseball with 45 doubles while tying for the PCL lead in hits (152) alongside Andre Lipcius of Oklahoma City. The captain of the outfield had an impressive season, slashing .292/.349/.438, with 66 extra-base hits, 69 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases while serving as the Aces' everyday leadoff hitter. His contributions extended beyond offense, as he made several key defensive plays, including a game-winning leaping catch against Oklahoma City on June 26.

The Reno Aces' 2024 offensive performance was nothing short of spectacular. Key players had breakout seasons, and the team scored runs relentlessly. With the foundation laid this year, the Aces are not just poised but primed for continued success as they move forward into the 2025 season.

Season Memberships for the upcoming Reno Aces 2025 season are on sale at RenoAces.com. To purchase a membership, text "MEMBER" to 21003 or call (775) 334-7000.

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