SAN DIEGO — Gabriel Moreno became the first Arizona Diamondbacks player to win a batting title on Sunday, finishing the season with a .311 average to lead the National League.
The catcher edged Philadelphia’s Luis Arraez, who finished at .310, by one batting-average point. Moreno did not play in Arizona’s final game because of a hamstring injury, while Arraez had also missed late-season action with an ankle injury.
The individual milestone provided a positive ending to Moreno’s season despite the Diamondbacks missing the playoffs. Arizona’s elimination does not diminish a year in which the catcher established career highs across several offensive categories.
Moreno finished with a .388 on-base percentage and .486 slugging percentage for an .874 OPS. His totals included 16 home runs, 33 doubles and 83 RBIs, according to Arizona Diamondbacks On SI’s season-ending report.
He also played 130 games, surpassing his previous high of 111. That increased availability gave Arizona more time with one of its most productive hitters in the lineup while he continued to handle catching responsibilities.
The title was unusually close. His injury had forced him out early in consecutive games, and manager Torey Lovullo said Moreno attempted to make himself available for the finale but could not move comfortably enough to play.
Moreno’s finish adds him to a short list of catchers who have led a league in batting average. Buster Posey, Joe Mauer, Ernie Lombardi and Bubbles Hargrave are among the previous catchers to accomplish the feat, according to the historical comparison reported by Sportsnet.
Houston’s Yordan Alvarez took the American League batting title at .316, giving both leagues first-time batting champions in 2026. Alvarez also led the majors with a 1.033 OPS as the Astros secured a postseason place.
For Moreno, the award marks the clearest statistical achievement of a breakout season. The Diamondbacks will enter the offseason with broader questions after another missed October, but their catcher has given them a franchise first and a strong individual foundation to carry into next year.
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This page is an original Sporting Page summary. The reporting remains with Diamondbacks On SI.
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