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Ketel Marte Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks: Stock up, stock down

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 7/3/23

At 50-35, the Diamondbacks have a three-game lead in the National League West division. With one of the best offenses in the National League and a solid one-two combo atop the rotation with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, the Diamondbacks are looking like a real contender who could be a piece or two away from a deep postseason run.

Here are the players who have been trending up and down in 2023.

Stock Up

Ketel Marte, second base: After finishing fourth for the NL MVP in 2019, Marte has failed to replicate the .329/.389/.592 slash line with 77 XBH including 32 home runs and 92 RBI he had that year.

While he has still been a valuable player for the Diamondbacks over the past few seasons, Marte looks like he's back to MVP form in 2023. With six games remaining before the All-Star break, Marte is slashing .285/.365/.502 with 32 XBH and 44 RBI.

With protection throughout the Diamondbacks lineup, Marte will look to continue crushing opposing pitching as they fight for their first playoff appearance since 2017.

Ozzie Albies:
.259/.311/.500, 112 wRC+, 19 HR, 57 RBI, 15 doubles, 2 triples, 1.8 fWAR.

Ketel Marte:
.289/.369/.508, 136 wRC+, 15 HR, 44 RBI, 13 doubles, 4 triples, 2.3 fWAR.

Ozzie Albies was named an All-Star. Ketel Marte was not.
— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) July 2, 2023

Geraldo Perdomo, shortstop: After struggling mightily his first year in the majors in 2022, Perdomo has completely turned it around in year two and looks like one of the most improved players in the majors.

Batting .284 with 20 XBH and 33 RBI, the switch-hitting shortstop looks like a different player compared to the rookie that slashed .195/.285/.262 last season. He has cut down on his strikeouts while walking more and has only one error at shortstop compared to the 14 he had last season.

Geraldo Perdomo among NL shortstops (min 200 PAs):

fWAR: 2nd
rWAR: 2nd
wRC+: 1st
SLG: 3rd
OBP: 1st
OPS: 1st
BsR: 2nd

It’s unfortunate he’ll be robbed of an All Star spot pic.twitter.com/8SA570JmZr
— JD (@StromsLab) June 29, 2023

Perdomo will look to continue his hot start into the second half of the season, with Diamondbacks top prospect shortstop Jordan Lawlar waiting in the wings for an opportunity.

Stock Down

Pavin Smith, designated hitter: After a promising rookie season in 2021, the 2017 first-round pick has struggled over the past two seasons in his time with the Diamondbacks

After starting the season in Triple-A he was called up to the Diamondbacks and in 61 games played Smith hit .190 with 7 home runs and 30 RBI. With the team winning they had to make the tough decision and optioned Smith back to Triple-A on June 30.

Smith will have every opportunity to earn his way back to the majors, but his struggles in Triple-A haven't been encouraging. With eight total games played in the Triple-A in 2023, Smith is batting .179 with no home runs and only three RBI.

Brandon Pfaadt, pitcher: The 2022 minor league strikeout leader and Diamondbacks minor league pitcher of the year, Brandon Pfaadt came into 2023 looking to break his way into the majors while fighting for a rotation spot during spring training.

But after being assigned to minor league camp on March 19, Pfaadt's audition for the big league club was cut short. But he would get his shot early in 2023, making his big league debut on May 3 he got hammered by the Texas Rangers giving up seven runs and four home runs in 4 2/3 innings.

In his six major league starts, Pfaadt has a 0-3 record with a 9.82 ERA while allowing 3.16 home runs per nine innings.

While still young, the Diamondbacks had big hopes for Pfaadt in 2023 but his prolonged struggles in the majors are concerning.

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