Spring training games have finally begun and while there are many young and exciting prospects receiving opportunities with their affiliated teams, there are some who are battling it out for playing time and higher spots on the depth charts. While these games don’t have any real value to the season, their value lies in the decisions made on the roster and the players who fill those spots. Lets take a look at 3 questions that may be addressed by the outcome of the Dbacks spring training games.
Who will be the 5th pitcher in the starting rotation?
At the end of the 2022 season, the Dbacks called up a few of their younger pitchers and each of them started a handful of games. Now it looks like one of those younger pitchers will have the opportunity to be the 5th man in the Dbacks starting five.
It can be assumed that Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Madison Bumgarner, and Zach Davies are likely locks to be in the rotation due to experience and past performances which leaves the final spot wide open.
Young pitchers Tommy Henry, Ryne Nelson, Drey Jameson, and Brandon Pfaadt are all names to watch out for as the Dbacks make a decision on who to pencil in the final spot in the rotation. Anyone of these pitchers could take the job with a few solid outings during spring training.
At the time of this writing, the Dbacks have given Henry, Jameson, and Nelson some innings, and out of the three, Jameson has looked to be the most dominant and is the clear front-runner right now for the final spot in the rotation. While there are still a number of games left in spring training, there is plenty of time for anyone to come back and take the 5th spot. However, my guess is that Jameson will only continue to dominate and build on his strong outings and be named the 5th pitcher in the rotation.
Who will be the Dbacks’ starting catcher?
During the offseason, there were rumors from many fans and members of the media that the Dbacks would look to acquire another catcher in an effort to be effective at every position in their lineup. But what no one expected would be adding another young top-10 MLB prospect. In a blockbuster trade that sent beloved outfielder Daulton Varsho to the Blue Jays, the Dbacks acquired young catcher, Gabriel Moreno.
Moreno, 23, appeared in 25 games for the Blue Jays while having 22 hits on 69 at bats while driving in 7 RBI’s. The young catcher was ranked a top-10 MLB prospect shortly before the 2022 season and brings more youth and another hot bat to the Dbacks young roster.
The Blue Jays and Diamondbacks are finalizing a trade that will send outfielder Daulton Varsho to Toronto for top catching prospect Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., sources told @JeffPassan.
More: https://t.co/G96w0Q9wPY pic.twitter.com/r58GskFCwt
— ESPN (@espn) December 23, 2022
Although the Dbacks traded for Moreno, they are not looking to move on from current starting catcher, Carson Kelly.
The “5th” outfield spot
The outfield has probably been the most talked about topic among the Dbacks community everywhere this offseason. Many fans and MLB clubs know the Dbacks have had a surplus of young outfield talent. Corbin Carrol, Jake McCarthy, Alek Thomas, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., all seem to be locks to make the roster. However, in years past the Dbacks have kept five outfielders. Who will lock up the last remaining position? Kyle Lewis or Pavin Smith?
During the 2022 season, Smith, 27, appeared in 75 games with 54 hits in 245 at-bats with 9 homers and 33 RBI’s. Smith was a regular designated hitter for the Dbacks and could very well assume the same position assuming his bat can stay hot. Smith has already looked to be showing that during Spring training as he already has 4 hits and one home run through 9 at bats.
At the time of this writing, Kyle Lewis has yet to make his debut for the Dbacks.
Lewis was acquired in a trade with the Mariners at the beginning of the offseason. Lewis, 27, appeared in 18 games and had 8 hits in 56 at bats with 3 home runs and 5 RBI’s last season. Although injuries have limited the outfielder to inconsistent MLB action, he could have a remerging year and thats what the Dbacks are betting on. Let us not forget, Lewis was the 2020 AL rookie of the Year after rehabbing a torn ACL two years prior.
If Lewis cannot manage to get on the field, he may have difficulty keep his job with the Dbacks. However, it remains to be seen if Smith will stay hot and solidify the need to put him in the lineup. My guess is that Smith will be consistent enough to be the 5th outfielder on the roster.
While you’re here, check out this article on 3 potential closers for the Diamondbacks this season!
