It’s been over five years since the Arizona Diamondbacks made the MLB Playoffs, and three years since the D-Backs posted a winning record. Arizona never pivoted into a full rebuild over the past five years, but GM Mike Hazen and his front office have slowly built a strong core of young players. The fruits of that slow build began to be realized in 2022, as top prospects Alek Thomas and Corbin Carroll made their MLB debuts, and RHP Zac Gallen emerged as an elite starter. With a stacked farm system and a promising future in tow, here’s a look at what the D-Backs did past this winter.
Related: 2022-23 MLB Offseason Recap: Atlanta Braves
Notable Additions
- RHP Miguel Castro
- OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
- OF Kyle Lewis
- 3B Evan Longoria
- C Gabriel Moreno
The D-Backs trotted out a primarily left-handed hitting-heavy lineup in 2022. That’s expected to change for next season, as Arizona added a number of right-handed bats for its lineup during the offseason. Arizona acquired 2020 AL Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis in a deal with Seattle, and signed veteran third baseman Evan Longoria in free agency. Longoria may not be the impact bat he was with Tampa, but the 37-year-old has produced over the last two seasons. “Longo” belted 27 homers between 2021-22, but did miss significant time due to injuries.
Most notably, the Diamondbacks acquired outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and catcher Gabriel Moreno in a major deal with the Blue Jays in December. Gurriel Jr. only hit five home runs in 2022, but the ex-Jay has displayed good power and contact skills throughout his career. The 29-year-old will be joined by Gabriel Moreno, a prized prospect in Toronto’s farm system but one blocked by Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen. After a tough campaign from Carson Kelly in 2022, Moreno could very well be the regular catcher in Arizona in short order.
Notable Subtractions
- INF Sergio Alcántara
- C/OF Cooper Hummel
- RHP Ian Kennedy
- RHP Reyes Moronta
- OF Jordan Luplow
- LHP Caleb Smith
- C/OF Daulton Varsho
The Diamondbacks did pick up two valuable players from Toronto, but it did cost catcher/outfielder Daulton Varsho. Varsho broke out last season, as he belted 27 home runs and was arguably the best defensive outfielder in baseball.
Other notable names who won’t be returning to Arizona are Jordan Luplow, Ian Kennedy, and Reyes Moronta. Luplow signed with the Braves, while Kennedy and Moronta joined the Texas Rangers in January.
A Recap
Arizona sacrificed a talented power hitter in Varsho, but did get two valuable assets in return. Moreno, in particularly, should be welcome addition in the desert, as the Diamondbacks didn’t have a potential successor in the organization for Kelly. Now, the D-Backs have a catcher who has received rave reviews for his work behind the plate, and has shown good hitting skills as well.
Arizona owns a very young group, one that is set to be led by the likes of ace Zac Gallen, Alek Thomas, and top prospect Corbin Carroll. The Diamondbacks face stiff competition in the NL West, but the future is bright in Arizona.
