Arizona Diamondbacks stay patient as trade market heats up

Jun 7, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Paul Goldschmidt (44) is congratulated by Michael Bourn (1) after hitting a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Paul Goldschmidt (44) is congratulated by Michael Bourn (1) after hitting a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

It would completely sabotage the bullpen, but if the Diamondbacks decided they wanted to land a few prospects, they have some relievers who would be good rentals for other teams.

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Daniel Hudson and Brad Ziegler will be free agents at the end of the season. They also have been two of the team’s most reliable bullpen arms. Hudson has a 1.52 ERA in 23 2/3 innings entering Wednesday and Ziegler has 11 saves with a 3.00 ERA. If it becomes clear the team isn’t going to compete for a playoff spot as the trade deadline approaches, they could flip the two relievers and maximize their value now and wait to address bullpen concerns in the offseason.

Weeks will also be a free agent at the end of the season and could be included in a deal. Outfielder Michael Bourn, whom the D-backs signed after he was released by the Braves, and pitcher Josh Collmenter could also be free agents if their 2017 options aren’t picked up. The extra year of control could make them more appealing to potential buyers.

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Since the Diamondbacks don’t have many noteworthy prospects left in the farm system, adding a bullpen arm or a reliable outfielder is most likely out of the question. Blowing up the team also isn’t likely to happen because the team taking the field right now is not the team the Diamondbacks’ brass envisioned would be taking the field in 2016.