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Four Arizona Diamondbacks non-roster invitees to watch in Spring Training

The Arizona Diamondbacks have 26 non-roster invitees heading into Spring Training, but these four will be interesting to watch.

By Noah Wright

Jul 17, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ivan Melendez wears his jersey after he was selected by the
Jul 17, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ivan Melendez wears his jersey after he was selected by the / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Kristian Robinson during a minor league spring training game on Mar.
Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Kristian Robinson during a minor league spring training game on Mar. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Kristian Robinson

2023 was an extremely important year in Kristian Robinson’s pro baseball career. Prior to last season, Robinson had last played pro ball in 2019. He didn’t play in 2020 because of COVID canceling the minor league season, but he also ran into visa issues that stemmed from an arrest caused by assaulting an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer. But even though he hadn’t played any competitive games in three seasons and wouldn’t even appear in 2023 until Late May, Robinson picked things back up like he was never gone.

Robinson played one game at each level between the Arizona Complex League to Double-A. In total, he had 272 plate appearances, batting .283/.383/.532. Robinson had 14 home runs with a strong .249 isolated slugging percentage. On top of plus power output, Robinson went 23/30 in stolen base attempts, showing off his wheels. Overall, Robinson had an outstanding .411 wOBA and 140 wRC+.

Robinson has the potential to have double-plus power with plus speed. If he reaches his potential, he may have some 30/30 seasons. He’s also a good enough fielder that he could stick in center field long-term. But he also has a cannon of an arm that will play in both corners. But there are questions about how his power will play because of his hit tool. He has a big swing that more advanced pitching could take advantage of. Robinson had a 10.7% walk rate but a 31.6% K% as well.

The 23-year-old is a long shot to make the Opening Day roster, but like Melendez, it will be fun to see him connect on some long home runs during Spring Training. 2024 will be an even more important year to his career. He’ll probably start the season out at Double-A, which is the largest step between any minor league level and where you start to see the separation between the top prospects and minor leaguers. If Robinson can continue to hit well and/or cut down on the strikeouts, he could play a role in the D-Back's long-term outfield plans. Imagine an outfield with two 30/30 threats in Robinson and Corbin Caroll.

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