The Arizona Diamondbacks have already fixed two of the most significant holes on the roster this off-season. The first was third base, but they acquired veteran slugger Eugenio Suarez. The other hole was adding another quality starting pitcher, which they recently resolved by signing Eduardo Rodriguez to a four-year deal. These moves have made a good roster look great, but it’s still December. What is there left for the D-Backs’ front office to do this off-season?
The next order of business for Mike Hazen and co. is to add a regular designated hitter option. There are a handful of potential quality options. However, the ones I would focus on the most are J.D. Martinez, Rhys Hoskins, and Jorge Soler. The D-Backs are more than familiar with Martinez, as he served as a key piece of their 2017 team. He is also coming off a strong rebound year with the LA Dodgers. Hoskins missed all of 2023 due to an ACL tear but was consistently a quality hitter from 2017 to 2022. Soler also had a strong bounce-back season and hit 36 home runs last year.
There are some other decent options the D-Backs could turn to as an alternative to Hoskins, Martinez, or Soler. Mitch Garver could take out two birds with one stone, serving as the regular DH and secondary catcher, something the D-Backs could look into this off-season. Justin Turner would provide a solid veteran at DH and corner infield. Brandon Belt would be a platoon option, but the D-Backs would need to find a right-handed hitter to complement him.
After looking into DH, the Diamondbacks need to consider adding a relief pitcher or two. Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald are a strong 8th and 9th-inning combo. Ryan Thompson was a great late-season pick-up who did well in the Postseason. But after that, the bullpen consists of Miguel Castro, Ryne Nelson, Kyle Nelson, and Andrew Saalfrank. It would be nice if the D-Backs added another proven arm who could handle higher leverage innings at least semi-regularly.
I don’t think the D-Backs are going to pursue Josh Hader (not that they would absolutely need to), but there are definitely some solid potential options to deepen the bullpen. Matt Moore, Robert Stephenson, Aroldis Chapman, David Robertson, Hector Neris, or Jordan Hicks would be a very nice complement to Ginkel and Sewald. The D-Backs could also consider one of the relievers who are heading over from Japan; Woo Suk Go or Yuki Matsui.
But after that, the Diamondbacks should look to deepen the roster. Jose Herrera has struggled defensively and offensively as the secondary catcher behind Gabriel Moreno. Signing Mitch Garver as the primary DH would solve that issue, as he could serve as the backup catcher. Andrew Knizer may not be a great defender, but he can hit well for a backstop. The D-Backs could opt to go an all-defensive route in Austin Hedges. Veterans like Martin Maldonado, Tucker Barnhart, Manny Pina, and Jacob Stallings represent some other decent backup catcher options.
If the Diamondbacks wanted to get really bold, they could add another quality starting arm. As of right now, their rotation would be Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodriguez, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt, with one of Tommy Henry, Ryne Nelson, Slade Cecconi, Corbin Martin, or Blake Walston being the number five starting pitcher. While we’re only talking about the fifth spot in the starting pitching staff, it would be fun to see them lock down the last spot with a proven and stable option rather than hoping a young guy breaks out next year.
The trade market for all these roles could develop further into the off-season. Eloy Jimenez is the best designated hitter on the trade market. The Washington Nationals could listen in on offers regarding righty reliever Hunter Harvey. The only backup catcher who may or may not be on the market is Pirates’ backstop Jason Delay.
The Diamondbacks have resolved some of their biggest holes, but now is not the time to become content. There’s still work to be done, and we’re not even halfway through this off-season. They need to stay aggressive, and add a DH, at least one reliever, and deepen the roster.