Baseball Lifer: Blue Crabs’ De Aza Relishing New Role

24-year pro, MLB vet excelling in first season as a player-coach

Many former Major Leaguers look to continue their professional career in the Atlantic League. Some are looking to get back to the big leagues while others just look for a chance to keep playing the game they love. Now in his 24th professional season and his seventh in the Atlantic League, Alejandro De Aza has continued his prolific playing career while adding to his resume during his first year as a player-coach.

After spending the 2025 season with Southern Maryland, coming back for his age 42 season was never in question for the veteran.

“To be honest, baseball is part of my life,” said De Aza. “When it’s time for baseball season, I just can’t stop it. I feel bored at home and want to get back to the field.”

De Aza was also named as an assistant hitting coach ahead of the season, working with head hitting coach Jason Camilli throughout the season. Although it’s his first year as an official member of a coaching staff, it simply puts a label on what he has been doing for years.

“It’s something I have always done in the past. I like to help all my teammates in any way that I can. Sometimes you hit behind a guy and you pick something up. I think it’s fun to help the guys.”

While working with Camilli, De Aza has learned a lot from what the former member of the Philadelphia Phillies coaching staff has been able to accomplish with the Blue Crabs.

“Jason is one of the best hitting coaches I’ve seen. He has the passion and he takes the time to work with everybody. He knows how to talk to each player and tell him exactly how to prepare for the game. It’s just awesome.” 

De Aza is in his second season with Southern Maryland after previous Atlantic League stints with New Britain, Lancaster, Long Island, and Staten Island. He was especially prolific during his time with the Ducks, earning a spot on the Atlantic League Postseason All-Star Team in 2022. Despite that track record with other organizations, there’s something special about Waldorf that keeps the 10-year MLB veteran excited about putting on the uniform every night.

“I’m having fun here. If you go to a place where you’re having fun and you feel comfortable, then you’re going to treat it like home.”

That comfort level has reflected on the field as De Aza has turned back the clock for one of his best offensive performances in several seasons. Over 46 games, he has batted .300 with five home runs and 33 RBI. He has not batted .300 in a season since he won the 2022 Atlantic League batting title with Long Island.

In addition to his overall statistics this season, De Aza has also hit several personal milestones this season. He recorded his 10,000th career plate appearance on June 13 at Long Island. He collected the 50th stolen base of his Atlantic League career against High Point on May 1. His next hit will be the 650th of his Atlantic League career.

Even though he simply enjoys playing the game that has been his livelihood for over two decades, De Aza remains motivated in his search for a championship. He was part of title-winning teams during the 2013 World Baseball Classic with the Dominican Republic and in the winter of 2025 with the Mid East Falcons. However, a full-season crown has remained elusive.

“A successful season means winning it all. It doesn’t matter if you yourself hit .340 or .350 and then on the last day of the season, you’re going to have to pack your stuff and go home. So in the end, it’s all about winning.”

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have been proud members of the Atlantic League since 2008, the fourth-longest tenured team in the league. With a proud tradition of success on and off the field, many players have found a home while playing in front of Crustacean Nation, the nickname for the Blue Crabs’ avid fanbase. A host of former Major Leaguers have played for the Blue Crabs, including Chien-Ming Wang, Pat Mahomes Sr., and team legend Daryl Thompson. Many players have also made it to the Major Leagues after playing with Southern Maryland, including Isaac Mattson of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 2026 marks the 18th season of Blue Crabs baseball at Regency Furniture Stadium, where Clawsome Times Await.