The Diamondbacks continue to have conversations ahead of the Monday, Aug. 3, trade deadline, general manager Mike Hazen said, adding that his two top priorities remain landing a starting pitcher and a hitter, likely a left-handed one.
“They’re 1 and 1A,” Hazen said. “Those are things we’re focused on.”
He did not rule out the idea of adding a reliever, as well, whether it be a high-leverage arm or another lefty to pair with Brandyn Garcia.
When this all might take place — or even if — he was not sure.
“When you have the players and you’re making the trades, you get to determine the time,” Hazen said. “When they have the players, you don’t get to determine the time.”
Hazen has four starting pitchers who could work their way back from the injured list
in the coming weeks — Michael Soroka appears to be the first due back, followed in some order by Zac Gallen, Corbin Burnes and Ryne Nelson — but Hazen sounded as if his primary concern is the time between now and then.
“I’m more worried about getting through August than what happens at the end of August and September,” he said. “… Everything's hard, but August is going to be particularly challenging for us with no off days and probably the toughest run of games we're going to have all year.”
In August, the Diamondbacks will have series against the Guardians, Padres, Dodgers, Braves, Red Sox and Cubs, all of whom are contenders. They also have series that month against the Rockies, Reds and Giants. Beginning on Friday, July 31, the club will play 29 games in 30 days.
Sources say the Diamondbacks are open to adding a position player who plays first base, outfield or designated hitter, with the primary attribute being an ability to hit right-handed pitching.
Hazen said he would prefer a controllable starting pitcher but noted that his current group of 2027 starters should be strong without further additions, assuming they are healthy. Burnes, Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt are all under contract for next year.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks GM identifies 2 biggest needs ahead of trade deadline
