The D-backs announced that they’ve designated outfield prospect Gabby Guerrero for assignment in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for infield prospect Domingo Leyba.
Guerrero, the nephew of former MLB superstar Vladimir Guerrero, was acquired from the Mariners in the 2015 trade that sent Mark Trumbo from Arizona to Seattle. Though he long rated as one of the top prospects in the Mariners organization, Guerrero’s performance stalled in 2015-16. He hit just .223/.258/.346 between his two organizations’ Double-A affiliates in 2015 and struggled similarly this year, hitting .234/.281/.383 between Double-A and Triple-A.
Leyba, meanwhile, went from the Tigers to the D-backs in the three-team trade that sent Didi Gregorius to the Yankees, Shane Greene to Detroit and Leyba and Robbie Ray to Arizona. The middle infielder hit .296/.355/.429 between Class-A Advanced and Double-A as a 20-year-old this past season. He played primarily shortstop this season, though there’s been some question in past scouting reports about his ability to stay there, with some opining that Leyba is best suited for second base.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Gabby Guerrero ends up in Toronto. Couldn’t hurt Vladdy Jr to have some familiar faces in the organization.
Leyba looks pretty promising.
Angels should sign Guerrero, give him number 27B. See what happens.