The Arizona Diamondbacks are on the hunt for starting pitching although it is believed that the team would rather address the need in free agency rather than trading for one. At least that is what general manager Dave Stewart told to Nick Pieroco at azcentral. This was before the team traded for a starting pitcher, a Minor League one from the Philadelphia Phillies named Sam McWilliams in exchange for Jeremy Hellickson, a move made more about dumping salary than acquiring another young, power arm. However, should we believe that the D-backs wouldn’t make a deal if the right one came along? And, does it necessarily have to be for a starting pitcher that they can plug into the rotation right away?
More from Venom Strikes
- Happy Thanksgiving Diamondbacks Fans! We have lots to be thankful for!
- The perfect holiday gifts for the Arizona Diamondbacks fan
- Diamondbacks make some BIG 40-man roster Moves
- About time! Diamondbacks to now provide housing for Minor League players
- What is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?
Arizona has a surplus of talent in the outfield. It just so happens that the Cleveland Indians are in desperate need of a guy, particularly since their best one, Michael Brantley just underwent shoulder surgery and will not be ready by Opening Day. What do the Indians have depth in? Starting pitching, of course. Here is a team that would be a perfect trading partner for the D-backs. Of course, inquiring about 2014 Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber would involve the Indians asking for A.J. Pollock so let’s assume that is off the table. While they probably do not want to revisit Trevor Bauer, someone like Carlos Carrasco could be had for a David Peralta or an Ender Inciarte. The right-hander, age 28, was 14-12 with a 3.60 ERA in 2015, hurling three complete games. All of Cleveland’s main starting pitchers are under 30 year old and they could be looking to move one for a bat.
With Yoenis Cespedes and Daniel Murphy likely headed elsewhere, the New York Mets appear to have holes in center field and second base. New York may try to fill those positions internally but in the event they don’t, the D-backs do offer players the Mets can use. However, before getting all excited about dealing for one of their stud pitchers, understand it would take Pollock or Paul Goldschmidt to pry one of them away. That’s not happening. Instead, if management really likes Zack Wheeler and can wait until midseason for him, a match could be made using Peralta, Inciarte or an infielder such as Chris Owings or Nick Ahmed.
Here are some D-backs links from around the Web:
Diamondbacks’ Offseason Outlook-mlbtraderumors
D-backs’ Minor League coach Doug Bochtler now the bullpen coach of the Padres-Hardball Talk
Matt Williams Interview-arizonasports.com (audio)
Next: Arizona Diamondbacks Release Jamie Romak
Some other links around the FanSided Network:
Padres Have Had a Good Offseason Already-friarsonbase
Juan Uribe Makes Sense for the Brewers-reviewingthebrew
Reaction to the Andrelton Simmons Trade-tomahawktate