The Diamondbacks past homestand has made it abundantly clear that they are approaching one of the most important trade deadlines in the team’s short history.
With a 3.5 game lead over the Giants for first place in the NL West, the Diamondbacks have a legitmate shot at making a playoff run. Something that seemed like a long shot before the season began.
However, if Arizona were to make a run for the pennant, they would have to make a couple of major moves at the trade deadline.
After multiple blowout losses in their past homestand, opponents perfectly pulled back the curtains, exposing the Diamondbacks weak starting pitching staff.
The D-backs team ERA has dipped to 4.46 on the season, which ranks them 20th in the MLB. Additionally, only five other teams have allowed more hits than the D-backs.
Given these pitching statistics, it is hard to believe that the Diamondbacks have a top-five record in the league.
While their explosive offensive has been there to pick up most of the slack, this will only be the case for a little bit longer as teams begin to adjust and exploit the Diamondbacks’ weaknesses.
Besides Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and maybe Ryne Nelson, Arizona is in desperate need of at least two more reliable starting pitchers.
And their playoff hopes may depend on it.
Of course, you do not want to trade away too much young talent, however, it may be time to trade away a bat for a solid third option on the mound.
Some pitchers the Diamondbacks should be eyeing heading into the deadline:
- Dylan Cease, RHP, Chicago White Sox
- Aroldis Chapman, reliever, Kansas City Royals
- Shane Bieber, RHP, Cleveland Guardians
- Triston McKenzie, RHP, Cleveland Guardians
The time is now for the Diamondbacks to make serious playoff moves before the deadline.
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