Mike Hazen provides insights on Diamondbacks trade deadline goals

The Arizona Diamondbacks entered the All-Star break on a high note, boasting a 10-5 record over their final 15 games. This strong finish, achieved some notable tough opponents, has propelled the D-backs above the .500 mark for the first time since early April. With the trade deadline looming, GM Mike Hazen’s comments suggest a proactive approach in strengthening the team.

Hazen’s Perspective on the Market

In a recent interview with Steve Gilbert at MLB.com, GM Mike Hazen shared insights on the current trade market. Describing the situation as “slow,” Hazen elaborated, “There’s phone calls kind of gauging who is going to be available, who could be available. There are teams that are not quite sure what they’re doing yet — ‘Check back in 10 days.’ The teams that are sure what they’re doing, it’s more, ‘Here’s the guys we’re going to talk about. Here’s the guys we’re not going to talk about.’ We’re just gathering all that info”

Areas of Focus

Hazen highlighted the bullpen as a potential area for improvement, stating, “I think this team, in all honesty, beyond if we could make a sizeable upgrade somewhere, I feel like this team is — if everybody comes back — is in a pretty good spot.” He emphasized the team’s defensive strengths and offensive power, noting, “Obviously, Ketel [Marte] is pushing toward an MVP-type season. And on the mound, if health comes back, I think strengthening the bullpen and protecting against injury is probably the one main area I’m focused on.”

Plus, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the D-backs are particularly focused on a left-handed reliever to bolster their bullpen. Last year at the deadline, the Diamondbacks elected to grab closer Paul Sewald from the Seattle Mariners. Sewald ultimately made a massive impact in Arizona’s run to the World Series. 

Although starting pitching has been a struggle for Arizona this season, they are hoping to get Jordan Montgomery back to the rotation by the end of the month. Meanwhile, Eduardo Rodriguez and Merrill Kelly are expected to return in mid-August. Not to mention, the emergence of Yilber Diaz as a reliable arm in the rotation has set the D-backs into a much better spot post-break.

Eager to buy

Manager Torey Lovullo has also made his stance clear. During an appearance on the Burns & Gambo show, Lovullo stated, “I’m always gonna say be a buyer,” emphasizing his desire for the team to make moves to bolster their postseason chances​.

GM Mike Hazen echoed this sentiment during his appearance on Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke show. As of mid-July, the D-backs are tied for the final Wild Card spot, positioning them well for a potential playoff push. Hazen stated, “My intention here is to buy. I want to buy, I want to push further in”.”

With a relatively easy schedule over the next couple of weeks, including matchups against non-playoff teams, the Diamondbacks have a prime opportunity to solidify their standing in the Wild Card race.