Hold ’em or Fold ’em: Which Diamondbacks to Keep?

Looking closer at the three players that have elected salary arbitration for the 2015 season, I’m going to take my own personal opinion on each of the three players that have opted for arbitration.

First up is Jeremy Hellickson. At just under 4 Million for one year, the Diamondbacks signed him quickly, seeing quite a bit of potential that the Tampa Rays didn’t want to hold on to. Since he’s signed a contract so close to the end of Winter Meetings, we can assume the Diamondbacks will hold him, add him into the rotation and see how he fares in the N.L. West. I agree with this move, as the Diamondbacks need better pitching. Give him a chance, this might be the deal Dave Stewart and company have been looking for.

Next is Outfielder and First-baseman Mark Trumbo. Since he missed the first half of the season due to a stress fracture in his left foot, there’s no telling what 2014 might have looked like for him and the rest of an injury laden club. He came back off the DL on July 7th, finishing the season with 88 games played hitting .235/.293/.415 driving in 61 RBI’s and managing to hit 14 Home Runs during that stretch of playing time. Since he’s contracted to make 5.7 Million this season, I say keep him. Obviously he must stay healthy, in order to place him behind starting 1B Paul Goldschmidt for a One-Two power punch in a hitting line up that is in desperate need of a couple of hard hitting power bats to drive in runs to help a re-tooled pitching staff.

Last, but not least is right handed hurler Addison Reed. He’s on contract to make 3.8 Million this season. Looking at his numbers for 2014, which saw him make 62 starts, going 1-7 for the season with a 4.25 ERA while allowing 15 Walks and 11 Home Runs. Dismal. I say that because FanGraphs projects him to do slightly better, turning in a 3-3 record over 65 starts. He is projected to lower his ERA to 3.25 while only allowing 8 home runs, despite giving up 18 walks. I’d say for the money he’s just not worth it. I’d fold him, and save the contract money.

There you have it Diamondback Fans! These are my opinions about the players up for arbitration; namely who I’d keep and who I would get rid of. What do you think?