Diamondbacks 2023 Player Reviews: Luis Frías

Luis Frías bounced between Triple-A with the Reno Aces and the Arizona Diamondbacks active roster multiple times through the first couple months of the season. He started the season with the Reno Aces for two games, before coming up for a quick two-game cameo in early April. That didn't go well as Frías allowed four runs and six base-runners in just 1.2 innings. Following that, he went back to Reno and worked to get back up. He was excellent upon his return to Reno with just three hits, one run, two walks, and 13 strikeouts in 9.2 innings.

That led the D-backs to call him back up. Over three games in the middle-late May, he struggled once again. He gave up four runs with six walks in just five innings. The bright side was that he struck out six batters, but it was clear he still wasn't ready for MLB work.

This time, he was sent down for an extended time and had mixed results. Over 13 games and 15.1 innings, he walked only five and struck out 14, but gave up nine runs. However, in the Reno environment, this was a solid step in the right direction. GM Mike Hazen thought so as he called him up in late July. This time, the results were far better.

From July 21st to August 16th, Frías had a 2.53 ERA despite a lackluster 4.66 FIP over 10.2 innings with eight strikeouts and six walks. While the walk rate was high, he was working around the men on base and allowed just three runs, all of which came in one outing. Following this stint, he was sent back to the minor leagues where he continued the same success from his MLB stint.

He was recalled for the last time on September 1st and stayed with the big league club through their World Series run. Over his final 13.2 innings, he had a 1.98 ERA with a 4.06 FIP and allowed just three runs, four walks, and struck out 10 batters. He ended the regular season with an xERA of 5.10 and xFIP of 5.39. This would be indicative that he still has a lot to improve. 

In the postseason, Frías established himself as a trusted reliever for Manager Torey Lovullo. Over seven games and 6.2 innings, Frías allowed just three hits, three walks, one earned run and struck out eight batters. His ERA was a sparkling 1.35 although there was concern with his ugly 6.11 FIP. Still, it was a great way for Luis Frías to end his busy 2023 season. 

2024 Status and Outlook:

Luis Frías is set up to return as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen as he has yet to reach even a full season of service time. The 25-year-old could become a long-term member set up to be a potential late-inning weapon. He isn't arbitration-eligible until 2026 provided he stays in the MLB for the entire next three seasons. If that happens, he would be set to reach free agency in 2029. On the other hand, he still has to win a bullpen spot in the 2024 Opening Day roster as he isn't guaranteed a spot.