After the Arizona Diamondbacks finished the 2019 season 21 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, something has to change for them to contend. Which three players are the most likely to be traded in order to compete with the rest of the league?
The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t have the worst season, they actually improved their record from the previous year. They went 85-77 this season, up from the 82-80 record of last year. The only problem was the Los Angeles Dodgers.
They finished last season 9 1/2 games behind the Dodgers and 8 1/2 games out of a Wild Card spot, placing third in the NL West. This season they finished second in the NL West, but a stunning 21 games behind the Dodgers.
They did control their own destiny and had a shot at a Wild Card spot, but faded in the last few weeks of the season to finish four games out of the Wild Card chase. It was definitely a disappointment to see them so close, but unable to get the job done, especially with former D-back Paul Goldschmidt at Chase Field for the final series.
That being said, the ultimate goal is to close the gap between the D-backs and the Dodgers. To do that the rotation must improve. The trades at the deadline this past year were made around the idea of shedding salary, mostly getting rid of Zack Greinke‘s enormous contract.
With those trades in hand, we know Mike Hazen isn’t afraid to pull the trigger on trades. Here are the three players most likely to be traded this offseason.