Three top trade candidates for the Arizona Diamondbacks to consider

The Arizona Diamondbacks should consider going after these three players who would be some of the best trade candidates on the market.
Sep 23, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) throws a pitch
Sep 23, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) throws a pitch / Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 3, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) reacts
Oct 3, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) reacts / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Randy Arozarena

With both Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Tommy Pham hitting free agency, the Diamondbacks are losing some outfield depth. Sure, Jake McCarthy, Dominic Fletcher, or Jorge Barrosa could fill their roles, but what if the Diamondbacks decided to pursue one of the best corner outfielders on the trade market? That would be Randy Arozarena.

Arozarena has been as consistent as they come since his 2021 rookie season. Last year, he batted .254/.364/.425 with a .347 wOBA, and 126 wRC+. He was both a power and speed threat, going yard 23 times with a .171 isolated slugging percentage and swiping 22 bags. Arozarena has been a big leaguer for three full seasons now. His wRC+ has ranged from 124-127 each season, and he has had a 20/20 campaign three times in a row now.

However, there are a lot of positives moving forward for Randy. His 12.2% walk rate was a massive 5.1% uptick from last season. His 23.9% strikeout rate is another career best. Arozarena’s raw power also looked excellent, as he hit career highs in exit velocity (91.7 MPH), hard-hit rate (48.3%), and barrel rate (12.2%). All three were among the top 82nd percentile or better last season. His xwOBA of .352 also points to some improvement next year.

Arozarena’s defense is playable but not great. Defensive runs saved loved his work with +4 in left field. However, outs above average panned his work with -6 OAA. He’s typically been about an average defensive left fielder in the past, and with his offense, average defense is more than passable.

Arozarena is controlled through the 2026 season via arbitration. He won’t be cheap to acquire but he would be worth the cost because you know what you’re going to get. Arozarena is a safe bet for a fourth straight 20/20 season with a wRC+ around 125 or higher.