Several offseason additions had the Arizona Diamondbacks in position to compete atop not only the NL West, but the National League as a whole. Injuries and poor performances have derailed that a bit, and the Diamondbacks are currently in fourth place in their division.
Because of the talent possessed by the Giants, Padres and Dodgers, it is unlikely Arizona has a path to the postseason. If the team continues to struggle, here are three players who could be shipped away when the trade deadline rolls around.
Eugenio Suárez, 3B
Suárez is the biggest power threat in the Arizona lineup, and several teams will be looking for right-handed pop at the deadline.
He has 292 career home runs, including 16 this season, as well as a game with four home runs in May. He is in the final season of a seven-year, $60 million contract that he signed prior to the 2019 season when he was still a member of the Cincinnati Reds.
His contract situation will make him a prime trade target for teams such as the New York Yankees, New York Mets and Detroit Tigers.
Zac Gallen, SP
Like Suárez, Gallen is on a one-year deal, making him a possible trade target if Arizona decides to make him available.
The one thing that would make him unattractive are his struggles this season. Just two seasons removed from a Cy Young Award, Gallen is 4-7 with a 5.13 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 13 starts and 73 2/3 innings pitched.
If he is able to turn things around prior to the trade deadline, he will become an extremely attractive target for teams such as the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.
Josh Naylor, 1B
The theme of this trade list is becoming evident, as Naylor is also under contract with Arizona through the end of this season.
Teams are always looking for left-handed bats at the trade deadline, and Naylor’s .289 average with seven home runs, 39 RBIs and .793 OPS could make him highly coveted.
Teams such as the Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners are struggling with production at first base and could benefit from adding Naylor.
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