Arizona Diamondbacks: Jarrod Dyson could be a nice addition
Center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) – Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Hazen, general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is looking to add a left-handed bat. Jarrod Dyson might fit the bill.
Jarrod Dyson, the speedster for the Kansas City Royals might be the answer for the Arizona Diamondbacks in their search for a left-handed bat.
Arizona is already making improvements to the roster. Last week, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed free agent, veteran reliever Fernando Rodney to a one-year contract.
General Manager Mike Hazen indicated he is content with the current roster, according to Fansrag.com.
“Very comfortable with the group we have right now. I still think we need to add depth to the bullpen. We’d love to get a little more left-handed overall, for the short and long-term, and continue to build competition in various spots.”
The new front office wants to contend this season and is likely not done making moves. Adding one or two more pieces to the bullpen and acquiring a left-handed bat will help.
Acquiring a corner outfielder that bats from the left side would be an efficient way to fill two needs at once. There are options on the free agent market, including Colby Rasmus.
Fruitful trade options also exist. The Diamondbacks have an excess of starting pitchers and will listen to offers. Right-hander Shelby Miller and left-hander Patrick Corbin are the most likely candidates.
However, the Diamondbacks asking price is reportedly high and that could entice teams to look elsewhere. Arizona is reportedly looking to add a third catcher, and that could be part of a package for Miller or Corbin.
The Kansas City Royals are looking for starting pitching depth and have plenty of outfielders. This makes the Royals and Diamondbacks logical trade partners.
General Manager Dayton Moore seems willing to move the speedy outfielder Jarrod Dyson and a package could come together involving Dyson and Corbin.
Elite Defense
Dyson might have begun the 2016 season as the Royals fourth outfielder, but according to bWAR, he was Ned Yost‘s best position player.
In 107 games, Dyson contributed 3.1 wins to his team, with a 1.1 oWAR and a 2.0 dWAR. Primary centerfielder Lorenzo Cain battled hamstring and wrist injuries, and Dyson played four more games.
Last year, Dyson started 83 games in the outfield, including 50 in center. The 32-year-old native of McComb, Mississippi, started 12 and 21 games in left- and right-field respectively.
If A.J. Pollock stays healthy, the Diamondbacks have their everyday centerfielder. Therefore, Dyson would see playing time in the corners. Dyson has an elite arm and range that plays at all three positions.
Overall, in 758.2 innings, Dyson committed two errors (one in center and one in left) with 196 putouts, 11 assists, and a gaudy .990 fielding percentage.
In 2016, among outfielders with a minimum of 750 innings played, Dyson’s 19 DRS ranked sixth, and his 16.7 UZR ranked fifth. Three of the players ahead of him: Mookie Betts, Kevin Pillar, and Adam Eaton, all played significantly more innings.
Jarrod Dyson Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Speed and Solid Contact
Dyson would also add more speed on the bases. As a team, the Diamondbacks do not need help in that department. Arizona led the majors with an 81.5 stolen base percentage and swiped 137 bags.
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Among players with at least 300 plate appearances, Dyson was tied for 10th in the majors with 30 steals, two behind Diamondbacks first basemen Paul Goldschmidt, though 368 more plate appearances.
Seven of the nine players with more stolen bases than Dyson had at least 100 more plate appearances than Dyson.
For example, Johnathan Villar of the Milwaukee Brewers had 62 stolen bases, but with 342 more plate appearances.
He has 156 steals over the last five seasons and has only been thrown out 28 times. Last year, his 337 plate appearances were a career high.
Imagine what Dyson could put up as a starter for the Diamondbacks in the corners. Dyson put up a .340 OBP last year and his BB% and SO%, compared to 2015, went down respectively.
Patrick Corbin Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
A Potential Deal
The Royals would be interested in Patrick Corbin if they thought his upside was still intact. They might want someone like Shelby Miller, but it is doubtful Arizona is willing to give up on Miller so soon and his price might be more than the Royals can pay.
The Royals have some nice prospects, and they could grab a reliever. Kansas City is shopping for a new DH, and Yasmany Tomas could be an option. Tomas is unlikely given his cost and the Royals tight payroll. Plus, the Royals would have to throw in a prospect to even this deal out a bit.
Tomas is unlikely given his cost and the Royals tight payroll. Plus, the Royals would have to throw in a prospect to even this deal out a bit, o rArizona might have to eat some of the salary.
From a Diamondbacks perspective, Dyson is in his third year of arbitration eligibility before becoming a free agent at the end of the 2017 season. MLB Trade Rumors projects Dyson to make $2.5 million.
Even if it comes in a separate package with another team, it would be nice for the Diamondbacks to find a DH desperate team to deal Tomas and then grab Dyson.
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This would help the payroll and the defense. Let’s see if Hazen is thinking along the same lines and pulls the trigger! Dyson would fill a need, adding speed, good defense, and a left-handed bat if Arizona could make a deal for him.
