Backup shortstop will be one of the top position battles entering spring for the Diamondbacks. As we saw in 2024, having useful depth at the position can make or break a season. For 2025, Arizona will be turning to a pair of minor league signings to compete against a young player for the job.
The player who may have the leg up on the competition is Ildemaro Vargas. Vargas carries a lot of defensive versatility, capable of playing second, short, or third as a utility infielder. He fulfilled that role for the Washington Nationals in 2024, with his best defensive work coming at third base. The Diamondbacks don't need a starter at third, but for the 5-10 games they want to spell Eugenio Suarez, Vargas can start there.
Another point in Vargas' favor is he's a slightly better hitter from the right side of the plate. He owns a .701 OPS, which will help spell Geraldo Perdomo against lefties. Perdomo is a better hitter from the left side of the plate, with a .666 OPS and all of his career home runs coming from that side compared to .633 from the right side.
Garrett Hampson adds an outfield dimension, playing mostly center field of late. The Diamondbacks already got their fourth outfielder by re-signing Randal Grichuk, but his decent numbers against left-handed pitching could get him in the lineup as the final player on the roster. The added versatility would make sense in a different battle and more toward the end of the bench.
The third player, Blaze Alexander, has the most offensive upside of the three but fizzled out in his first taste of the big leagues last season. He was used primarily as a DH, as his defense wasn't up to par once the season started. Given the number of games necessary though, it may be better for the team to get him more consistent reps in Reno, even if it means burning his last option.
At the end of the day, the player who best fits the roster in the backup shortstop role is going to be Vargas. They don't need someone in a platoon or time share, so a veteran who is used to the role makes the most sense. Vargas is a non-roster invitee, so they would have to add him to their 40-man roster if he makes the club.