When he landed the job in October 2016, new D-backs general manager Mike Hazen inherited one of the worst farm systems in baseball––a farm system that was ranked dead last by some publications. Rather than dispute it, Hazen owned it, and vowed that under his watch the organization needed to get better.
Hazen’s first year on the job went exceedingly well at the big league level. The club won 93 games (and the Wild Card Game) and advanced to the postseason for the first time in six years, finishing as one of baseball’s more pleasant surprises. A little more under-the-radar was how encouraging a year it was from a player development standpoint.
In addition to the three college bats they nabbed with their first three picks in the 2017 draft and the $2.5 million they spent in the international market on toolsy Bahamian slugger Kristian Robinson, the D-backs watched as several prospects began to blossom in their system.
Righthander Jon Duplantier showed the makings of a frontline starter. Outfielder Marcus Wilson converted his tools into performance. Righty Yoan Lopez emerged from oblivion to display late-inning potential. Little known outfielders Eduardo Diaz and Gabriel Maciel popped up. Righthander Sam McWilliams started to look like a future starter.
The D-backs system still has a ways to go, something Hazen continues to acknowledge, but it’s no longer necessary to squint as hard in order to see contributors on the horizon.
In order to add to the big league roster before the trade deadline, Hazen peeled away from his farm system, but he managed to land slugger J.D. Martinez, utility infielder Adam Rosales and reliever David Hernandez without parting with his best prospects.
Scouting director Deric Ladnier survived the regime change, and with assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye and analytics director Mike Fitzgerald involved, the club began incorporating analytics in the draft in a far more significant way. Ladnier, who has overseen 11 drafts, the first eight coming with the Royals, called it the best and most comprehensive process he’s ever been a part of.
In first baseman Pavin Smith (first round), third baseman Drew Ellis (second) and catcher Daulton Varsho (supplemental second), the D-backs’ draft class produced three advanced college bats with the upside of everyday regulars. In third-round righthander Matt Tabor, they also landed a high school arm with rotation potential.
The D-backs remain in a tricky spot. They have a roster built to win now. It’s filled with prime-age players whose years of control are dwindling and whose salaries are rising. Paul Goldschmidt can become a free agent after 2019. A.J. Pollock and Patrick Corbin are free agents after 2018. Jake Lamb and Robbie Ray are just entering their arbitration years.
J. CHRISTIAN PETERSEN/GETTY IMAGES
Paul Goldschmidt launched 36 home runs in 2017 to finish third in NL MVP balloting.
PROJECTED 2021 LINEUP
Catcher |
Daulton Varsho (24) |
First Base |
Paul Goldschmidt (33) |
Second Base |
Brandon Drury (28) |
Third Base |
Jake Lamb (30) |
Shortstop |
Ketel Marte (27) |
Left Field |
Pavin Smith (25) |
Center Field |
A.J. Pollock (33) |
Right Field |
David Peralta (33) |
No. 1 Starter |
Zack Greinke (37) |
No. 2 Starter |
Robbie Ray (29) |
No. 3 Starter |
Taijuan Walker (28) |
No. 4 Starter |
Jon Duplantier (26) |
No. 5 Starter |
Anthony Banda (27) |
Closer |
Archie Bradley (28) |
Below those players, the D-backs have a farm system with most of its impact players still several years away from maturation. They still need to bridge that gap between the current crop and the next one. For Hazen, Sawdaye and assistant GM Jared Porter, it will be a balancing act to keep the window of contention open without sacrificing long-term sustainability.