Diamondbacks Outfield: Playing Spoiler

It’s time for our Depth Chart Discussions to begin. In an effort to suss out every team, we’ve divided them into four parts (infield, outfield, bullpen, and rotation) and will begin breaking them down for you over the next few weeks. You can find them gathered here.

The Diamondbacks are coming off a dismal season. Discoveries in the outfield were one of the lone bright spots. A new season and health could give the club an opportunity to play spoiler in the NL West. Their outfielders will be a big part of any success.

Mark Trumbo spent much of the 2014 season on the disabled list. He managed 362 plate appearances, but it took him awhile to get back in the groove. April began with a .210/.264/.506 line before he landed on the shelf. A .192 BABIP for the month masked otherwise good production. When he returned in July, he initially struggled before posting much better numbers in August and September.

Even a cursory overview of his season suggests we shouldn’t buy into the 91 wRC+ he posted last year. When healthy, he’s hit over 30 home runs per season. That’s while calling Angels Stadium home. His real world value is suspect, but fantasy owners appreciate any slugger with 40 home run upside.

In case Trumbo misses time again, Arizona has a solid backup in Ender Inciarte. He’s the complete opposite profile of Trumbo – a high contact, low power bat with speed. He could bat near the top of the order if he’s playing regularly.

A.J. Pollock was one of those pleasant discoveries from last season. A scorching May was abruptly ended by a broken hand. He returned in September and continued to post strong fantasy numbers.

It is assumed Pollock will bat atop the Diamondbacks lineup. Last season, he flashed the ability to hit for contact, 20 home run power, and 30 stolen base speed with some semblance of plate discipline.

If you take the lazy linear extrapolation, Pollock is a potential star. Regression will probably bring him back to earth. He’s never hit more than eight home runs in a professional season, so don’t depend too much on his new power.

If you like underdogs, then David Peralta is your guy. The outfielder was out of professional baseball from between 2007 and 2013. He then shot through Arizona’s farm system onto the big stage where he performed well.

Peralta is one of those players who offers more real than fantasy value. He has enough power and speed to reach 10 home runs and stolen bases. Otherwise, he’ll probably bat down in the order where run production will be rare.

The left-handed Peralta may platoon with right-handed hitter Cody Ross. He owns massive career platoon splits, including a .294/.360/.557 line against lefties in 1109 plate appearances. The 34-year-old is poised for a bounce back season in a part time role. Owners who like to stream outfielders should put both Peralta and Ross on their list.

The Others

Yasmany Tomas
Socrates Brito

Many scouts considered Tomas to be an outfielder, but the Diamondbacks plan for him to play third base. I’m not sanguine when it comes to Tomas. His body type reminds me of Dioner Navarro. His swing looks slow to my eye. I wonder if he’ll survive a steady diet of breaking balls. Here’s a flattering video put together by Baseball America. I’ve also viewed a lot of batting practice footage where his swing looks like it belongs in my men’s league.

No matter how he hits, Tomas is liable to quickly play his way off third base. It might not be this season, but his destiny appears to be in the outfield (or designated hitter).

In addition to possessing an 80-grade name, Brito has tools aplenty. He’s a future 20/20 threat with respectable bat control. He’s the only other outfielder on the 40-man roster, but he’s probably a couple seasons from the majors. A breakout could put Brito on the shortlist, especially if the club needs a starter.