Former #1 Prospect Jon Duplantier leaves Diamondbacks as MILB Free Agent
Oh, what could’ve been and honestly should’ve been. Always will be left with wonder as to what Jon Duplantier could’ve accomplished if he would’ve been able to stay healthy while with the Arizona Diamondbacks. A former 3rd round pick out of Rice by the Diamondbacks had multiple years on the top-100 prospects lists while reaching #1 at one point for Arizona as well. Alas, while he teased that talent and potential many times, he never was able to reach that height of play.
Jon Duplantier made his MLB debut vs the Padres on April 1st, 2019. Over parts of 2019 and 2021, Jon pitched in 19 games, 7 starts, going 1-4 with a 6.70 ERA, 5.18 FIP, and 66 ERA+ across 49.2 innings. On the other hand, most of the damage against him came in his 4 starts this past season where he gave up 19 runs in only 13 innings. He did have 46 K’s but an unsightly 26 walks.
Unfortunately, he dealt with many injuries as aforementioned. Some were unlucky like when he got left off the MLB roster to the 2021 season because of a freak shaving accident. However, it was the elbow and shoulder injuries that ultimately did his time with the Dbacks in. In 2020, he missed the entire year due to a right forearm strain. This year, he suffered a severe LAT strain that caused the team to eventually release him so as to create roster space. Eventually, he re-signed with Arizona in order to rehab.
Now, Duplantier, 27, has signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants where he will most likely receive an invite to MLB spring training camp. Due to the lockout, teams are unable to provide promises in contracts that they will get invited to spring training. However, it’s presumed that Jon would get an invite.
Hopefully, Jon can stay healthy. In fact, over the last two seasons, he’s thrown only 21 innings. Health will be the ultimate factor for him. The Giants got a good man in Duplantier. It’s unfortunate how his time with the Diamondbacks went and finished. Good luck in San Fran Jon!