LAS VEGAS — Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen expects the trade market to be a key part of his offseason — and he thinks the course his club takes on that front could take shape at the GM Meetings this week.
“Most of the seeds of future trades will happen (at the meetings),” Hazen said.
The meetings get underway on Monday, Nov. 10, at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
The Diamondbacks have two holes to fill in their starting rotation, and could use help in their bullpen. They do not expect to have significant payroll space. They also have several position players they could conceivably part with via trade.
“I’m open to trading our prospects,” Hazen said.
Hazen said he has engaged in conversations in recent weeks with a handful of clubs about their offseason priorities. Some clubs knew where they stood and what they expected to do this winter. Others were unsure. That is where this week will prove helpful.
In what feels like an annual occurrence, the Diamondbacks enter winter with an excess of center fielders whom they will make available in trade. Unlike a few years ago, their trade values are not robust.
Both Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy are coming off disappointing seasons. It seems one of them will be moved, but neither is likely to bring back a significant return. Both will be arbitration-eligible for the first time and are projected to earn something close to $2 million in 2026.
The Diamondbacks also seem willing to discuss a slew of other position players, including young major leaguers and prospects. For now, the only names that seem unlikely to go anywhere are the club’s top four hitters: right fielder Corbin Carroll, second baseman Ketel Marte, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and catcher Gabriel Moreno.
Beyond that, anyone might be fair game in discussions, though, of course, some players figure to be harder to move than others.
Infielder Jordan Lawlar and outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt seem to be at the front of that list. Lawlar has been one of the game’s top prospects for years and has the potential to impact the game in a variety of ways. As for Waldschmidt, he has exhibited many of the offensive traits the organization has preached, namely, a sound approach and the ability to hit the ball hard and in the air.
The Diamondbacks also have needs in the bullpen. Asked if he sees a greater need in the rotation or the bullpen, Hazen said, “They’re both a priority.”
As it stands, the Diamondbacks’ current roster projects for a payroll around $144 million by FanGraphs’ Roster Resource, which includes arbitration estimates from Matt Swartz via MLB Trade Rumors. How much higher the organization is willing to go remains to be seen, though it is expected to fall well short of this year’s season-opening $200 million-plus mark.
