The unsung prospect who could help the Diamondbacks playoff push

As the 2023 MLB season progresses, the Arizona Diamondbacks prove themselves to be legit each and every day. Now at 46-30, they are still firmly in the lead in the NL West and continue to play good baseball. 

The biggest thing that the team can address to maximize their season potential is their pitching depth, but that is something they will look to find an answer to externally, as several of their pitching prospects have not had the strongest starts to the year. 

Despite a strong lineup that has been good for a 111 OPS+, which is fourth in the league, there is a player tearing it up in the minors. This player could fit into a meaningful platoon role at the major league level. 

Diamondbacks prospect Blaze Alexander could be the final piece of the puzzle

Blaze Alexander is the team’s eighth-ranked prospect in the system, and he has played games everywhere from the complex league to AAA, not missing a beat at any level. 

A powerful bat and strong fielder, Alexander ranks with 50-grade raw power, 45-grade speed, and 50-grade fielding. His tools have translated on the field, and he can help with positions of need in Arizona. 

He is extremely flexible as he has seen time everywhere in the infield except at first base. His versatility and hot bat would be a welcome addition to any squad, especially one gearing up for a deep playoff run. 

So far, through 14 games in AAA, he is slashing .357/.500/.643 with a WRC+ of 176 and OPS of 1.160. The caveat for Alexander is that nine of those games came in April, where he had a jaw-dropping 1.410 OPS before breaking his right thumb. 

It is evident that Alexander is still trying to get back into his groove. In his first five games back from injury, he is 6-for-22 (.272). If his recovery goes smoothly and he finds the footing he had during his hot start, he is certainly making the case to be an impactful call-up at some point this season.

A strong Diamondbacks offense isn't doing him favors, as, despite the fact that he may be a meaningful producer right now if he is called up, there is no rush to call him up while the major league roster is producing. It is the perfect blend of allowing him to take his time to fully recover while maintaining a seamless fit for his services when he is ready for the MLB.