Despite the Arizona Diamondbacks’ strong position in the standings, trade chatter has followed some of the club’s own players. GM Mike Hazen isn’t paying it much mind.
You would think any team 10 games over .500 and in comfortable possession of a Wild Card spot wouldn’t have to address questions about trading away its own players. Yet rumors have continued to swirl around some of the Arizona Diamondbacks‘ most prominent pieces.
Whether it’s because some expect them to fall back down to earth, or that there will be trade offers too enticing to pass up, the D-Backs still seem like eventual sellers to certain observers. With two months to go until the deadline, that could indeed happen. But right now, Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen is more focused on continuing to win games than making trade plans.
Two of Arizona’s biggest stars, starting pitcher Zack Greinke and outfielder A.J. Pollock, have been popular subjects of discussion recently. However, if the D-Backs are still in a good position in late July, Hazen sees dealing them as counterproductive. Per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic:
"“I don’t believe we’re going to be in a position to make the playoffs if we do that necessarily,” he said. “Those are two of our best players. You’re fundamentally changing the shape of your team.“Speculating on what could happen in the next 60 days is difficult in this game because a lot of things change. But I can’t envision that scenario taking place, unless there was some kind of adequate replacement, which I don’t see how that would make sense for us or somebody else. But I understand the speculation and I get it.”"
Greinke is bouncing back nicely from a disappointing first year in the desert. The right-hander owns a 3.24 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 6.00 K/BB ratio over 72.1 innings. Nevertheless, if the D-Backs can convince someone to take on a significant chunk of that massive contract (a tough sell even if he is pitching well), it would be hard not to consider.
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On the other hand, if the D-Backs are still in the race, having an ace and former Cy Young winner of Greinke’s caliber to lead the rotation would be a major asset.
Pollock missed nearly all of last season due to injury, but he appears to be getting back to speed in 2017. He’s slashing .299/.337/.455 in 163 plate appearances with two home runs and 11 RBI. He’s also racked up 11 steals on the base paths. A groin strain currently has him sidelined again, but he’s not expected to miss extended time.
Set to become a free agent after next season, it might be time for Arizona to start thinking about whether they want to extend Pollock or shop him. His breakout 2015 season, in which he posted an .865 OPS, swatted 20 homers and swiped 39 bags, demonstrated his all-around ability on the field. Even with his injury history, he wouldn’t lack for suitors.
Patrick Corbin has also been mentioned as a possible trade piece. He’s struggled to a 5.14 ERA over 11 starts, a year after putting up a 5.15 ERA in 155.2 innings split between the rotation and bullpen. Still, he’s a lefty and another free agent after 2018, so he could hold some appeal.
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With a 31-21 record and healthy +51 run differential about a third of the way into the season, Hazen is right to keep trade talk at arm’s length for the time being. Plenty can change in the next two months, and if the D-Backs do eventually fade from the race, guys like Greinke, Pollock and Corbin could be in play.
But for now, Arizona sits 4.5 games ahead in the Wild Card picture and just two games off the pace in the NL West. Not a bad start to a rebuilding year.