Gabriel Moreno made Arizona Diamondbacks history Sunday, becoming the first player in franchise history to win a batting title.
Despite being scratched from the regular-season finale against the San Diego Padres because of lingering left hamstring tightness, Moreno officially finished the 2026 season with a .311 batting average.
That was enough to edge Philadelphia Phillies infielder Luis Arráez, who finished at .310 after missing the final weekend series with a sprained ankle.
Only Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez finished higher among qualified MLB hitters, posting a .316 average.
Moreno's accomplishment also placed him in rare company among catchers. The 26-year-old became the first primary catcher to win a Major League batting title since Buster Posey hit .336 for the San Francisco Giants in 2012.
Since 1900, Moreno is only the fifth catcher to win a batting crown, joining Posey, Joe Mauer, Ernie Lombardi and Bubbles Hargrave. Mauer won three titles during his career, doing so in 2006, 2008 and 2009, while Lombardi won in 1938 and 1942.
Article Continues BelowMoreno finished the season with a .311/.388/.486 slash line and an .874 OPS over 132 games. He also established career highs with 16 home runs, 33 doubles and 83 RBIs.
Beyond his offensive breakthrough, the 2023 Gold Glove Award winner remained one of baseball’s premier defensive anchors behind the plate, throwing out 34 percent of would-be base stealers.
The batting title capped a breakout offensive season for Moreno, who had never previously hit above .280 in a full MLB season. His .388 on-base percentage was also a career best.
Arizona's season ended Sunday after the Diamondbacks were officially eliminated from postseason contention following a 9-4 loss to San Diego. Moreno finished the campaign with the batting crown despite not taking the field for Game 162.

