2022 Diamondbacks: The all-farm team
The Diamondbacks farm system is full of talent. From catcher to outfielder, from shortstop to relief pitcher, here is the best player at each position from the 2022 season...
Catcher: Juan Centeno
Here is a catcher that can hit and hit well. In 81 AA games a season ago, Centeno raked. He hit 14 HRs, 58 RBIs, and scored 52 runs. He also slashed .302/.349/.514 for an OPS of .863. For any player that is impressive but for a catcher, that is incredible. He got a late call-up to AAA as the season was winding down and he didn’t lose stride. In 10 AAA games, Centeno recorded an .890 OPS over the span of 33 ABs. Speaking of 33 that is the age of slugging catcher Juan Centeno. His window of being an everyday catcher in the MLB might be closing. But hopefully, he spends the rest of his pro days hitting the baseball all over the diamond for the Diamondbacks farm system…
1B: Leandro Cedeno
If the Diamondbacks do not wish to resign star slugger Chrisitan Walker after the 2023 season, there is a good chance Cedeno will be the new Arizona first baseman in 2024. The 24-year-old raked in the 22’ season. In 109 AA games, Cedeno hit 30 HRs, 93 RBIs, and finished the season with a .937 OPS. Like Centeno, Cedeno got a promotion to AAA at the end of last season. In 14 AAA games, he cooled off a little as his OPS dipped to .764 OPS. Despite losing a little steam with the bat, in those 14 games, he still knocked in 10 runs. This guy is an RBI machine…
2B: Jancarlos Cintron
If you are 28 and you are still in the minors that is usually not a good sign. But maybe Cintron just needed a little time to figure out big-league arms. In 65 AAA games a season ago, the second baseman slashed .353/.395/.496 for an OPS of .891. The Diamondbacks already have a lot of infield depth, but maybe if someone like Ketel or Rojas goes down, Cintron’s ability at the dish could propel him to get the call-up to the bigs for the first time in his life…
3B: Deyvison De Los Santos
The fact that De Los Santos is still a teenager putting up insane numbers in the minors is scary for opposing teams to think about. This kid is going to be a star in the MLB. In 78 low A games last season, De Los Santos hit 12 HRs, 67 RBIs, and finished with an .883 OPS. He is only 19 ladies and gentlemen… 19! No wonder he is getting invited to spring training. The future is bright in Arizona…
SS: Blaze Alexander
If I am a pitcher facing a guy named Blaze Alexander, there is immediately fear in my heart. This guy plays just as cool as his name sounds. In 88 AA games in 2022, Blaze hit 17 HRs, 54 RBIs, and finished with an OPS of .927. It’ll be a lot of fun to watch Alexander this spring training. Nick Ahmed’s contract ends after the 2023 season so it is very possible that the Diamondbcks front office moves on from the veteran, and gives the keys of the shortstop position to the 23-year-old, Blaze…
OF: Stone Garrett
If you don’t know what Stone Garrett looks like google a picture of him. This guy looks like his first name would be Stone; he makes Popeye the sailor man look frail. His linebacker physique gives him power at the plate. In 103 AAA games a season ago, Stone hit 28 HRs, 95 RBIs, and finished with an OPS of .900. It makes you wonder why the Diamondbacks let him walk in free agency. One man's trash is another man's treasure; the Washington Nationals wasted no time in signing him. I wouldn't be surprised if Garrett, with his strong ability at the plate, etches his name into the opening-day lineup…
OF: Roby Enriquez
Roby enjoyed a very solid first year in the minors in 2022. In 73 AA games, Enriquez hit 7 HRs, 47 RBIs, and finished with an OPS of .859. With a .326 average, it is evident that Enriquez possesses an elite ability to hit for contact. Hopefully, the 25-year-old continues to improve and continues to make his way up to the majors…
OF: Dominic Canzone
Canzone is another player fans should keep an eye on this spring training. This dude can hit. In 88 AAA games last season, Canzone swatted 16 HRs, 68 RBIs, and finished with an OPS of .838. Base running is also a huge part of his game as he scored 61 times last season and added 14 stolen bases to his resume. This kid has all the tools to succeed at the big league level; too bad the Diamondbacks outfield room is already so crowded…
P: Brandon Pfaadt
Fans will want to learn how to say Brandon’s last name because it is a name that will be brought up often very soon. Headlining the non-roster invitees for spring training, Pfaadt was lights out last season. In 10 AAA starts, Pfaadt went 5-1 with a 2.63 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. If he can produce those kind of numbers at the highest level of the minors, it makes you wonder how he’ll fare in the MLB…