Diamondbacks’ Middle Infield Glut Needs to be Addressed

Sep 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Chris Owings (16) hits an RBI double scoring Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Welington Castillo (7) in the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks have a problem. Mind you, it’s not the problem that leaves one in despair. Their issue is actually a good one. The team has a surplus of players who make their living at second base, at shortstop or both. In fact, a couple of them can handle third base if need be. However, all good things must come to an end and before Opening Day 2016 arrives, the D-backs have some decisions to make regarding their crowded middle infield spots.

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As we have seen throughout the year, Arizona has four guys (five if you count Jake Lamb) that can rotate between second, short and third at the Major League level: Aaron Hill, Philip Gosselin, Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed have all had some good moments with the D-backs this season. While none has really stood out consistently all year, they have done nothing to embarrass themselves, either. The stickler is that all are under contract with the team for next season and there is no possible way the Snakes are going to keep everyone. In fact, I would venture to say two of them will not be in the organization at this time next year. Who would go? Honestly, I have no idea but that is a discussion for another time. There are compelling reasons to trade all of them (not at once, of course) or keep all of them. All I know is the situation right now is unworkable for a 162 game season.

We haven’t even addressed the promotion of Brandon Drury this year and the arrival of #1 pick Dansby Swanson, perhaps as early as 2017. For all we know, it will be those two guys who anchor the middle infield of Chase Field for ten years. It would appear Drury has nothing left to do at the Minor League level and that he will be a candidate to make the Opening Day roster. Swanson was taken #1 overall for a reason and unless there is a coinciding salary dump, ala Touki Toussaint he is not going anywhere, either. The phrase, “Team X is going to have an interesting offseason” is usually a cliché. For the Arizona Diamondbacks, their middle infield situation (as well as a crowded outfield and payroll flexibility) dictates they will have a really interesting offseason.

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