Headlines

  • Royals, Hunter Dozier Agree To Four-Year Extension
  • Giants, Scott Kazmir Agree To Minor League Deal
  • Kelvin Herrera Announces Retirement
  • Braves Extend Brian Snitker
  • Yankees Sign Justin Wilson
  • Braves Sign Jake Lamb
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Indians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • Last 100 Comments
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Offseason In Review: Arizona Diamondbacks

By Jeff Todd | April 8, 2020 at 2:09pm CDT

The D-Backs spent significant sums in free agency for the first time since GM Mike Hazen came aboard and pulled off an interesting trade for a key veteran. But is it enough to mount a real challenge to the dominant division force?

Major League Signings

  • Madison Bumgarner, SP: five years, $85MM
  • Kole Calhoun, OF: two years, $16MM (includes $2MM buyout on $9MM club option)
  • Stephen Vogt, C: one year, $3MM (includes $500K buyout of $3MM vesting/club option)
  • Hector Rondon, RP: one year, $3MM (includes $500K buyout of $4MM club option)
  • Junior Guerra, RP: one year, $2.65MM (includes $100K buyout of club option)
  • Total spend: $109.65MM

Trades and Claims

  • Acquired OF Starling Marte (with $1.5MM salary offset) from Pirates in exchange for SS Liover Peguero, RHP Brennan Malone and $250K of international bonus availability
  • Acquired RHP Jeremy Beasley from Angels in exchange for RHP Matt Andriese
  • Claimed INF Pat Valaika off waivers from Orioles (Baltimore later reacquired Valaika via waivers)

Extensions

  • David Peralta, OF: three years, $22MM
  • Nick Ahmed, SS: four years, $32.5MM

Notable Minor League Signings

  • Aaron Blair, John Hicks, David Huff, Edwin Jackson, Jon Jay, Mark Leiter Jr., Joe Mantiply, Dalton Pompey, Travis Snider, Trayce Thompson

Notable Losses

  • Wilmer Flores, Taijuan Walker, Steven Souza Jr., Adam Jones, Jarrod Dyson, Yoshihisa Hirano, Alex Avila, Caleb Joseph, Abraham Almonte, Blake Swihart

Hazen has rightly drawn plaudits — including from us at MLBTR! — for his work since coming aboard in 2016. The organization has managed to stay competitive and build up an increasingly deep and well-regarded farm system.

It’s tough to do both of those things at the same time. Entering the winter, it was hardly clear exactly what direction the Arizona organization would take — if it would move one way or the other at all. There’s a danger of stasis and bland mediocrity in the middle as well.

From the outset, there was talk of the D-Backs trading Robbie Ray. Having already sent out a number of other shorter-term veterans in recent years — most prominently, Paul Goldschmidt and Zack Greinke — it seemed possible or even likely that the club would again look to increase its long-term talent pool while back-filling with younger MLB talent. That has worked out exceedingly well in both of the above cases. Luke Weaver and Carson Kelly came over in the Goldy swap. The Snakes snagged Zac Gallen in a separate deal even as they moved Greinke for some MLB-ready talent (including Corbin Martin and Josh Rojas).

It’s important to remember just how little Hazen had done in free agency. Before this offseason, he had never inked an open-market deal worth even $10MM — though he had done a few such extensions. As it turned out, the Diamondbacks moved in a decidedly win-now direction, though they did so in a far less splashy manner than when they acquired Greinke and Shelby Miller in that memorable winter under the prior regime.

With an ever-flexible, opportunistic approach to roster-building, Hazen may well have set his course when he learned of a fairly unique opportunity. Madison Bumgarner, a legitimate franchise legend of the division-rival Giants, had keen interest in playing for Arizona. The club sorted out a back-loaded contract that could make MadBum a D-Back for the rest of his career. It’s not a zero-risk proposition, and he probably isn’t going to return to his prior levels of dominance, but it was a nice price for a veteran performer who’s a clear rotation upgrade.

Madison Bumgarner | Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic

It was settled: Ray would stay, pairing with Bumgarner as a veteran 1-2 southpaw punch. The rotation was set with the steady Mike Leake and aforementioned Weaver and Gallen, with swingman Merrill Kelly ready to step in where needed. There was already a series of quality upper-level arms available — Jon Duplantier, Alex Young, Taylor Clarke, Taylor Widener — which left the team without need of Taijuan Walker. Rather than taking a roll of the dice on Walker, the D-Backs non-tendered him.

The Snakes also non-tendered outfielder Steven Souza, who joined Walker as a disappointing prior trade acquisition. That left the team with another outfield slot to be filled — to go with the potential opening in center field that would allow emergent star Ketel Marte to move back into the infield, as the club preferred.

There were loads of possibilities for adding the requisite outfield pieces. The D-Backs ultimately grabbed two veterans, both on reasonable salaries — one via free agency and the other via trade. Kole Calhoun forms a lefty-lefty corner duo with David Peralta, who also inked an affordable three-year extension. Calhoun isn’t likely to be a star-level performer, but he’s sure to be a grinder and fills a need at a palatable rate of pay.

Of greater interest: the D-Backs cashed in two of their far-off farmhands to land talented center fielder Starling Marte. He’ll cost the team $11.5MM this year and $12.5MM next, less the $1.5MM the Bucs chipped in. As I wrote in previewing the offseason for this club, “there’s an argument to be made that [Marte] fits in just the right space (two years of affordable but not cheap control) for the D-Backs.” That’s obviously how the team saw it.

(Starling) Marte should offer a nice blend of floor and upside for the Snakes, who could still pivot and deal him if circumstances warrant. It’s much the same approach Hazen has taken time and again when he sees solid value in quality, established players. The team has now done so several times in the extension context — first with infielder Eduardo Escobar, this winter with Peralta and shortstop Nick Ahmed.

Now that (Ketel) Marte is back in the infield, the club has extended players occupying the 4-5-6 positions. Christian Walker and Jake Lamb will handle first base (with the latter also appearing at the hot corner), rounding out the chief needs. There are a variety of reserve and depth options already on the 40-man roster, including utility infielder Ildemaro Vargas, first baseman Kevin Cron, and second/third base candidate in Rojas.

Behind the dish, the Snakes will hope that Carson Kelly can keep things moving in a positive direction. They replaced Alex Avila with another left-handed-hitting bat-first receiver in Stephen Vogt.

As with the addition of Vogt, the D-Backs decided on some modest veteran spending to bolster the relief unit. Junior Guerra and Hector Rondon will each occupy setup slots in front of returning closer Archie Bradley. It’s tough to project this unit as a marked strength, but the Arizona org will be aided by its collection of 40-man pitching depth (which includes some of the aforementioned players and a host of others with no or little MLB experience).

2020 Season Outlook

This is a strong overall roster that doesn’t really have holes … but still doesn’t seem near the overall talent level of the Dodgers. Even if the double-Marte combination stars and all of the solid veterans play well, it’s going to be awfully tough to prevent the L.A. behemoth from an eighth-straight NL West crown.

Still, the Diamondbacks are good enough that they could yet surprise if the Dodgers falter — especially in a short-season format. And a Wild Card spot is firmly in play. The club obviously feels it has set itself up for continued competitiveness in the near-term without sacrificing its long-term ability to contend — either by mortgaging the farm or bogging down the payroll. That’s the general approach that most mid-market teams have tried to find, but the current Diamondbacks regime is looking particularly adept at striking that balance.

How would you grade the club’s offseason efforts? (Link to poll for Trade Rumors mobile app users.)

Share 0 Retweet 3 Send via email0

2019-20 Offseason in Review Arizona Diamondbacks MLBTR Originals

The Padres’ Interesting Rotation
Main
Rockies Provide Timetable On Peter Lambert Injury
15 comments
newest oldest

Comments

  1. D0m

    11 months ago

    They have LOTS of really great pitching. Great moves!

    1 Like
    Reply
  2. JD Candello

    11 months ago

    I gave an A

    Nl west has been in a bit of a down swing the last decade but it looks to be coming back and Hazen and Zaidi will have a big impact in that

    Arz reminds me of the Pacers from the NBA, they have little margin for error but do a great job scouting mid-level players and fitting them together to make it all work (Im assuming this team works and gets 85+ wins )

    The Grienke signing was out of charecter from past regimes but I think Hazen did a A+ job of getting outta the sand trap there safely

    2 Like
    Reply
    • lowtalker1

      11 months ago

      Hazen? Nah
      Padres are on the rise

      Like
      Reply
      • Afk711

        11 months ago

        Hazen is so much more competent than Preller its not even close.

        1 Like
        Reply
    • worthington

      6 months ago

      Hahahaha. ….check again pal.

      Like
      Reply
  3. 13yearoldbaseballfanatic

    11 months ago

    One of the more underrated teams in the game. When they traded Goldschmidt, everyone thought that they were embracing the tank. Instead, we’ve realized that Hazen is a wizard at trading talent heading towards free agency and acquiring MLB ready talent for it rather than far-off prospects. A great GM and an A offseason for me.

    3 Like
    Reply
  4. DarkSide830

    11 months ago

    Calhoun and MadBum were overpays but still a good offseason. B

    Like
    Reply
  5. Angels & NL West

    11 months ago

    Lots of starting pitching depth which is always beneficial but will be of greater benefit in 2021 when MLB plays a full season.

    Solid offense and pitching. Great defense. Nice roster top to bottom.

    With the Dodgers in the division they are realistically playing for a Wild Card slot which is attainable.

    Kudos to Hazen and Lovullo.

    Like
    Reply
  6. mlb1225

    11 months ago

    I think the Marte deal is going to work out well for both sides. Marte’s defense is on the downturn, but is still one of the most productive CF options, in terms of batting and they could always move him to a corner if it becomes really bad. The Pirates basically got 2, first round picks in the 2019 draft because of Malone and Peguero looks really promising. Even if Peguero is blocked at SS by Cole Tucker, Oneil Cruz, and/or Ji-Hwan Bae, Cruz is probably going to move to the outfield, and Peguero is athletic enough to learn another position.

    1 Like
    Reply
  7. Rangers29

    11 months ago

    Mike Hazen is simply put, the best gm in baseball. I just want to see what happens when the D-backs playoff “window” closes, and Hazen has to deal with expiring contracts and essentially player management. How quick will he be able to transition from the end of the D-backs playoff window to another round of the playoffs. But right now I think the D-backs are a lock for a WC spot. BTW: Zac Gallen is going to be great this season. I don’t care how Chisholm does for Miami, Gallen is a great pitcher.

    2 Like
    Reply
    • Mike_Davis

      11 months ago

      The start of the Dbacks original contention window was supposed to be 2022-23. That is when their prospect talent will start matriculate to the major league level, Hazen extended that window into 2020-21 with theses signings, trades, & extensions.

      The future is bright for this team with only Ray, Leake, & Lamb likely leaving after this season. With S. Marte leaving after 2021, most of the team is under control through at least 2023.

      1 Like
      Reply
  8. jekporkins

    11 months ago

    I gave it an A, but it has a chance to be a disaster. MadBum’s stats weren’t that great pitching half his games at Oracle Park, and now he’s going to be pitching half his games in Arizona. I think Souza and Peralta could hit 20+ home runs or they could all spend serious time on the DL. Marte should have another good season or fall off like many other speedy CF do when they reach their mid-thirties.

    Like
    Reply
    • Mike_Davis

      11 months ago

      Chase Field is a neutral pitching park now & Souza was non-tendered..

      1 Like
      Reply
      • larry48

        11 months ago

        Chase field suck for pitchers. Really good pitchers do well average to bad not so much. Arizona has no really good pitchers at the best average.

        Like
        Reply
  9. Angels & NL West

    11 months ago

    I noted previously that the D backs superior pitching depth would be more beneficial in 2021 when MLB plays a full season. In hindsight, their pitching depth will be equally important in a shortened 2020 season due to doubleheaders and limited days off.

    Either way, Hazen is brilliant and pitching depth always comes in handy.

    Like
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Royals, Hunter Dozier Agree To Four-Year Extension

    Giants, Scott Kazmir Agree To Minor League Deal

    Kelvin Herrera Announces Retirement

    Braves Extend Brian Snitker

    Yankees Sign Justin Wilson

    Braves Sign Jake Lamb

    Athletics Sign Mitch Moreland

    Yankees Re-Sign Brett Gardner

    Giants To Sign Jake McGee

    Mariners CEO Kevin Mather Resigns

    Recent

    Royals, Hunter Dozier Agree To Four-Year Extension

    NL Notes: Willis, Syndergaard, Myers

    NL Central Notes: Contreras, Mikolas, Brewers

    Braves Report Major Revenue Drop, Operating Losses In 2020

    Tigers Sign Drew Hutchison To Minors Deal

    Blue Jays Acquire Travis Bergen From Diamondbacks

    Health Notes: Pham, File, Rodriguez, Reyes

    Minor MLB Transactions: 2/28/21

    Cubs Designate Robert Stock For Assignment

    COVID Notes: Abreu, Montas, Happ, Cordero

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Kris Bryant Rumors
    • Jackie Bradley Jr. Rumors
    • Jake Odorizzi Rumors
    • Taijuan Walker Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Indians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version