Arizona Diamondbacks sign Andrés Chaparro to Minor-League Deal
General manager Mike Hazen continues making adjustments to address concerns at third base
On Wednesday, Jon Heyman reported that the Arizona Diamondbacks have signed former New York Yankees prospect Andrés Chaparro to a Minor-League Deal.
The 24-year-old corner infielder was signed as an international free agent in 2015. Since then, he’s been making this way through the Yankees’ system before opting to become a free agent earlier this month. Chaparro has struggled to make consistent contact, but when he does, he has shown himself to be a powerful hitter.
His 114.2 mph maximum velocity “would rank 25th in MLB, just a few spots below Aaron Judge’s 114.4 mph,” writes Adrés Chávez. Yeah, that’ll play at Chase Field.
To get a sense of his swing, check out this clip: https://www.mlb.com/mariners/video/andres-chaparro-s-six-rbi-game?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share
Chaparro spent 2023 in Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre where he appeared in 137 games. After getting off to a slow start, over 601 plate appearances, he slashed .247/.331/.444 with an OPS of .775. His 129 hits include 25 home runs and 24 doubles. Chaparro also has a 10.8% BB% and a 21.8%K% with a 90 wRC+. In 2023, he stole four bases. So there’s tremendous potential but work to be done.
Defensively, Chaparro played 585 innings at third with 13 errors and 496.1 at first with three errors.
You can see some of his defensive work here: https://www.mlb.com/mariners/video/andres-chaparro-s-barehanded-play?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share
Okay, so, he’s not Nolan Arenado, but if he can sort out his swing issues and hit for power, Chaparro may prove to be a valuable addition, if nothing else as a designated hitter.
In making this move so soon after trading with the Seattle Mariners for Eugenio Suárez, it’s clear that the D-backs continue to make adjustments as they attempt to address roster shortcomings, both in terms of third base and the lack of consistent right-handed power. Chaparro is a low-stakes signing with the versatility to serve as an understudy for Christian Walker and Suárez.
Moves like this one suggest that the D-backs will put most of their financial resources to acquiring additional starting pitching as they prepare for the 2024 season.