Diamondbacks outfielder generating trade interest

Third baseman Eugenio Suarez is drawing the most attention as a trade chip for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Likewise, the Diamondbacks are reportedly willing to trade players on expiring contracts, such as pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

Those are not the only players generating interest. According to John Gambadoro of 98.7 Arizona Sports, teams have reached out regarding outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Unlike Suarez, Gallen and others, Gurriel is potentially controllable beyond this season. He is in the second year of a three-year, $42 million contract he signed following the Diamondbacks' World Series run in 2023. Although the contract includes a team option for 2027 worth $14 million, Gurriel does have an opt-out clause following this year.

Gurriel has not performed to his typical levels thus far in 2025. He has produced a career-worst .245/.295/.406 batting line in his 407 plate appearances entering Thursday, hitting 12 homers and 20 doubles. Those overall numbers are skewed by a dreadful start to the season. Gurriel has looked far more like himself since May 1, producing a .270/.330/.431 batting line over 294 plate appearances, hitting eight homers and 15 doubles.

Although Gambadoro did not list specifics, teams such as the Phillies, Royals and Padres would make sense for a possible trade. The Royals, however, would need assurances that Gurriel won't opt out of his contract after this season as their playoff hopes are slipping away.

That opt-out clause looms large over any potential trade. While teams such as the Phillies and Padres may be willing to accept the possibility that Gurriel would be a rental, that clause could limit his potential market. That risk may be worthwhile for a contending team, especially as Gurriel's bat has heated back up over the past three months.