What moves might the Diamondbacks make over the next week?
Introduction
Ironically, while the northern hemisphere is continuing to get darker and activity generally decreases in turn, this is a time when baseball front offices start to ramp up their activities. The first of those ramp-ups begins next week when much of the baseball world descends on Dallas for the annual Winter Meetings. There, we will find out the results of the lottery for next year’s draft, hold the Rule 5 draft, and may very well see some significant moves in trades or signings from across the league. Last year, Juan Soto was traded to the Yankees immediately after the meetings concluded and the D-Backs inked Eduardo Rodriguez to a four-year deal. In similar fashion, Soto is once again a major variable this year as his decision on free agency is reportedly coming to a conclusion in the imminent future and which will make him more money than some small countries. While the D-Backs are obviously uninvolved directly in the Soto-stakes, his signing is the first domino in the series that will help determine the trajectory of several team’s offseason strategy. So instead, what are the questions and priorities for the team and Mike Hazen heading into Dallas?
What is the market for Jordan Montgomery?
There has been little secret made of the disdain between owner Ken Kendrick and Jordan Montgomery – even as Hazen did the smart thing in trying to smooth the kerfuffle down last month. For his part, Montgomery looked uncomfortable in the Arizona system and never seemed to mesh with the team at any point in the season, which could have contributed to his career worst season. Given that reality and the sky high prices for starting pitchers – as evidenced by Blake Snell’s $182 million/five-year deal ($36.4 million AAV) and even Luis Severino’s $67 million/three-year contract – it’s not surprising that Montgomery’s name has surfaced as a cost-controlled trade target. Our sister site – Camden Chat – neatly explained why Montgomery might be a good fit for the Orioles given their (to this point) tight purse strings in the free agent market. While I am certainly reluctant to give up proven major league talent – especially in the starting rotation – I worry that the veteran’s distaste and negative attitude may affect the players around him. Ultimately, if they could move the lefty to shore up another area like first base or DH in exchange for covering part of his salary, I think Hazen has to at least consider the move.
How do teams pivot from Juan Soto?
It’s no surprise that Soto is this year’s crown jewel of free agency. While I find his playing style irksome – if I never see the “Soto shuffle” again in my life I will die a happy man – it’s hard to deny his unique offensive skills and competitive drive. If you combine those with his absurdly young age, you can start to see why several teams are scrambling over each other to dump skyscrapers of cash on him. However, there is only one of him and that will leave any number of competitors spurned by the process and looking to change tacks when they lose out on signing him. Teoscar Hernandez stands as the free agent most likely to benefit from Soto’s signing, but other free agent outfielders like Anthony Santander could see their respective stocks rise at the same time. For our purposes, in the same way that some teams might balk at the values offered to starting pitchers in free agency, they may react similarly for outfielders – especially once Soto sets the market. That could open the door for the D-Backs to shop around one of their outfielders, maybe even in combination with Montgomery to strengthen another area. For example, the Athletics may be willing to move someone like Brent Rooker, whose value is at an all-time high for a proven starter like Montgomery and Alek Thomas, the former of whom could be subsequently moved this coming season.
Which relievers are available?
There are any number of reasons why the D-Backs missed out on the playoffs in 2024 including a dismal end to the season, inconsistent performance from their free agents, and poorly timed injuries. But an absolutely abysmal bullpen should also be added to that list. The group as a whole was one of the worst in the National League even with the emergence of Justin Martinez and the incredibly canny pickup of AJ Puk. They will likely be better next year as disappointments like Paul Sewald and Scott McGough will not be in the fold, but like every other contender, the D-Backs will be on the lookout for bullpen arms. The best available free agent reliever at the moment is still Tanner Scott, but if Aroldis Chapman’s $10.7 million, one-year deal is any indication, it could be a steep price for him and any other high-leverage relievers. Still, Hazen will undoubtedly be doing his due diligence and checking in on those outstanding free agents on where their markets currently stand.