The Arizona Diamondbacks have been one of disappointing teams in the league thus far. And even though the MLB trade deadline is a little less than two months away, trade discussions will begin imminently, which means the D-backs need to figure out what type of team they’re going to be come deadline time.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan released an early prediction about where every MLB team stands right now, while looking at the deadline. He divided teams in four distinct groups: the Unloaders, the Tweeners, the Holders and the Acquirers.
Passan labeled the Diamondbacks as “Tweeners,” meaning he is not sure where they stand. He listed their primary objective as “figuring out if they have enough pitching internally to warrant trying to win.”
Passan writes:
If they continue scuffling and decide to move talent, the deadline could get an immediate upgrade. But it’s complicated. (Zac) Gallen has struggled to the point that Arizona might just prefer to keep him, give him a qualifying offer and either retain him on a one-year deal or get draft-pick compensation. First baseman Josh Naylor will generate plenty of interest — but will it exceed the value of the draft pick the Diamondbacks will get if he declines a qualifying offer?
Despite the underwhelming performance through June, the Diamondbacks are 29-31 and have more than half of the season left to play. There is still plenty of time for the ball club to make a playoff push and capitalize on the lofty preseason expectations.
Passan named Gallen and Naylor as the Diamondbacks’ most valuable trade commodities at this point in the season. Both are in contract years.
Gallen, a former All-Star who’s been with the team for more than half a decade, is having his worst season as a pro. He has a 4-7 record, an ERA of 5.13 and 70 Ks in 13 games over 73.2 innings pitched. Gallen went 7.0 innings with a solo homer as the only earned run allowed on Tuesday.
Despite his rocky first couple of months, Gallen has been named the ace the past four years and could certainly intrigue a team looking for a proven veteran starter.
The decision will be a tough one for the Diamondbacks as they won’t want to part with their second-longest tenured player and someone who consistently gets on the mound every fifth day. Then again, will he command a hefty payday in free agency next season?
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Naylor, on the other hand, has had an excellent first season with the Diamondbacks and could be someone numerous MLB teams find intriguing. Naylor’s performance at the plate has been impressive, hitting .292 with seven home runs, 37 RBIs, and an.805 OPS.
The 2024 All-Star has reliable defense at first base and could certainly generate interest from teams looking to add a low-strikeout, high-average power hitter.
Besides Gallen and Naylor, the Diamondbacks have plenty of other players who could generate interest such as Merrill Kelly (reliable starter with a career ERA of 3.82), Shelby Miller (dangerous relief pitcher with a strong fastball-splitter combination), Eugenio Suarez (power hitter with 16 HRs)and Alek Thomas (talented outfielder with excellent speed and defensive ability), who with the exception of Thomas are all entering contract years.
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