3 players for the Arizona Diamondbacks to target in free agency
By Jake Oliver
The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a state of growth and hope mixed with the realization of who plays in their division.
Despite the fact that Arizona far outperformed expectations last year and showcased a litany of potential reliable or impact rookies, the team still has many holes on its roster. Plus, the fact that they have the Dodgers and Padres can’t be forgotten as the Dbacks will have to vastly outperform expectations to challenge for first place, a wild card is the most likely path. However, this Diamondbacks team is still far better off than they were last winter or two winters ago.
Three players for the Arizona Diamondbacks to target
Yes, they still have Madison Bumgarner’s albatross contract but, for the first time in what seems like years, the Arizona Diamondbacks aren’t changing their coaching staff. Torey Lovullo and his staff will return for a second straight year with an entire offseason of coaching and planning. That’s huge for the potential gains of this roster, especially when it comes to Brent Strom and his communication with his pitchers. Don’t forget that he was barred from contacting them last winter due to the lockout.
The biggest needs on the Diamondbacks roster that GM Mike Hazen must fill are third base, catcher, a starting pitcher, and a complete overhaul of the bullpen. It’s been said amongst Dbacks insiders that the team has been planning for 2023 to be their coming out party with 2024 the full press forward towards the World Series. Perhaps that means the team will be open to spending a bit more money this winter, especially on longer-term deals.
Let’s take a look at the first player that could help the Diamondbacks reach the playoffs in 2023.
Christian Vazquez
For the past few years, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been constantly searching for a reliable catcher beyond Carson Kelly. Even then, Kelly has endured multiple slumps or injuries that really set the team back at the backstop position. Yes, Daulton Varsho can play catcher, but the team doesn’t want to destroy his knees since his defense and speed are such valuable tools for him in the outfield/base paths. The Dbacks can’t rely on Jose Herrera and Cooper Hummel was dealt to the Mariners.
This is where Christian Vazquez comes in. He’s coming off a split season with the Red Sox and Astros that saw him win his second World Series ring. The 32-year-old has been a strong offensive and defensive catcher capable of handling the majority of reps in a catcher’s rotation. This would allow Carson to play against all lefties and keep him healthy.
Plus, the Diamondbacks could badly use Vazquez’s right-handed bat. Last year, over 119 games, he hit .274/.315/.399/.714 with an OPS+ of 99 and 52 RBI. Those numbers aren’t eye-popping except that they are truly phenomenal when it comes to catchers. He would add a badly needed layer of depth and length to the team’s lineup. He’s a good defender too with 1.3 DWAR to go with his 1.5 OWAR. Don’t forget that he called the no-hitter for the Astros’ pitchers in the World Series. Vazquez would be an excellent battery mate for the team’s pitchers. With Carson Kelly, they form one of the best catching pairs in MLB.