3 free agents the Diamondbacks should sign
1. RP Andrew Chafin
As the famous author, Wendy Wunder once said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” For the Diamondbacks, a reunion with Andrew Chafin might take this team to the next level…
In the 2011 MLB draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Andrew Chafin with the 43rd overall pick. Skip ahead to 2014, and young Andrew Chafin is debuting in the big leagues as a starter. After his first season in the bigs, Arizona discovered his potential as a relief pitcher which is where he has contributed ever since. Chafin pitched for the Diamondbacks from 2014-2020. Over that time period, Chafin pitched 270 innings averaging a 3.70 ERA. His best years in Sedona red came in 2015 and 2018. In 2015 Chafin pitched 75 innings and posted a 2.76 ERA. In 2018, Chafin pitched 49.1 innings posting a 3.10 ERA…
Yes, Chafin was stellar for the Diamondbacks but as he’s grown older and played for different ball clubs, he has gotten even better. Over the past two seasons, Chafin has pitched a total of 126 innings for 3 different teams; his ERA over that span is 2.29. Wow, 2.29! Arizona, who ranked 22nd in team ERA a year ago could really use a guy like Chafin. If I was Mike Hazen, I would be on the phone with Chafin’s agent ASAP to bring the sheriff back into the building. A reunion almost all Diamondbacks fans would love to see…
2. IF/DH Donovan Solano
As far as position players go, this team is pretty much all figured out. But adding an elite bat to the bench in case someone goes down, would be a wise move from the front office. They don’t call him Donny Barrles for nothing…
In 3 seasons with the San Fransisco Giants (2019-2021), Solano was elite. Over 712 at-bats with the Giants, Solano recorded 219 hits bringing his batting average to .308. There are very few players that can claim to have hit over .300 over the span of 236 games; Solano is one of the few. Solano was on the IL for a large chunk of the season a year ago with the Cincinnati Reds. When he came back from injury, he slashed .284/.339/.385…
A veteran infielder who can hit for contact and get on base; if the price is right, this move would make a lot of sense for the Diamondbacks to add depth...
3. SP Michael Pineda
Pineda is another pitcher that is seasoned with many years of experience. Those many years of experience would really help the Arizona pitching staff. Pineda would be a great addition to fill out the 5th spot in the rotation, or to take Bumgarner’s spot if Madison struggles…
Pineda has been in the big leagues since 2011. He broke into the league with Seattle and in his debut season, he went 9-10 in 28 starts with a 3.74 ERA over 171 innings. Not bad at all for your rookie season! Pineda has never been a dominant pitcher, but he has always been consistent. In 3 seasons with the Minnesota Twins (2019-2021), Michael went a combined 22-13 over 52 starts with a 3.80 ERA. Not dominant, but those numbers suggest that Pineda will usually keep you in the ball game granted a couple of bad starts…
With the consistency Pineda has had in his career, it is a surprise you do not hear about him more often. It is also a surprise that a team with deep pockets like the Mets, Yankees, or Dodgers hasn’t signed this guy by now. Singing Pineda to a 1-year deal would make the most sense given his age and if Hazen is willing to spend the money, an addition like this might make this Arizona ball club a playoff team…