Diamondbacks Face Outfield Decisions as Key Players Struggle, Prospects Develop Slowly
PHOENIX, AZ – The Arizona Diamondbacks are confronting critical questions about their outfield composition as several key players underperform and highly-touted prospects fail to materialize as quickly as anticipated, according to a recent report. The team is likely to evaluate whether to pursue a long-term center field solution, perhaps shifting current starters into depth roles.
For the past four seasons, the Diamondbacks have relied on a combination of Corbin Carroll and Alek Thomas in the outfield. Carroll, while possessing elite speed (averaging 25 stolen bases per season), has a career OPS+ of 96, indicating slightly below-average hitting. while his 2022 second half and 2024 performance were strong,recent struggles have raised concerns. Thomas, similarly, hasn’t consistently demonstrated the breakout potential the team hoped for, despite solid overall contributions. Both players are entering their first year of arbitration eligibility and remain under team control for three seasons.
The situation is further intricate by the performance of left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Gurriel is projected to exercise his $13 million player option for 2025, with a subsequent $14 million club option for 2027. However, he is currently posting a negative WAR (-0.1) for the first time in his career, alongside career-low offensive statistics, including an OPS+ of 92. While his defensive metrics are the only area showing a significant decline, the Diamondbacks are reportedly hoping a minor league player will be ready to take over the position before the 2027 option year, or potentially explore trade opportunities to offload Gurriel’s salary.
Currently, Jorge Barrosa is receiving playing time in left field as a developmental chance.Barrosa, a prospect known for his speed and contact hitting, is viewed as a potential fourth outfielder.
The Diamondbacks’ long-term outfield plans were heavily centered around 2022 first-round draft pick Druw Jones (pick #2 overall). However, Jones has faced setbacks due to injuries and is currently hitting .252 in High-A Hillsboro, Oregon, and is no longer considered a top-10 prospect within the institution.Hope now rests on more recent draft picks. 2024 first-round selections Slade Caldwell and Ryan Waldschmidt have shown promise in their initial professional seasons and are currently ranked among the team’s top three prospects behind shortstop Jordan Lawlar. though, both players are at least a year away from being major league ready.
Context & Future Outlook:
The Diamondbacks’ outfield situation highlights the challenges of prospect development and the importance of consistent performance from established players. The team, managed by Torey Lovullo and General Manager Mike Hazen, is navigating a period of transition as they attempt to build a lasting contender in the National League West. The decisions made regarding Carroll, Thomas, and Gurriel will substantially impact the team’s roster construction and financial flexibility in the coming years. The success of their recent draft picks, particularly Caldwell and waldschmidt, will be crucial to addressing the long-term needs of the outfield. The team’s current record (as of September 12, 2024) is 74-66, placing them in contention for a Wild Card spot, adding further pressure to evaluate the roster for both the present and future.
Source: Kellan Olson, ArizonaSports.com.
