The Arizona Diamondbacks face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs this year, and could very well be one of the teams looking to sell at the trade deadline. Already 15.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West, Arizona still figures to be at least a few years away from contention. While there's talent on the roster, the franchise would be best off looking to flip some veterans in order to acquire prospects to continue building around.
Barring a shocking run ahead of the All-Star break, the Diamondbacks can pretty much count themselves out in 2022. With aging veterans on the roster, as well as a mix of some talented youngsters, the Diamondbacks should be looking to give their younger players as many opportunities as possible.
With the trade deadline inching ever closer, the Diamondbacks are likely preparing to part ways with a few players. If the value is right, they shouldn't hesitate to send some veterans out the exit door as they continue to shape their rebuild.
With that in mind, here are three players the Diamondbacks should look to offload at the 2022 MLB trade deadline.
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3 players Diamondbacks must move at 2022 MLB trade deadline
3. Dallas Keuchel
Dallas Keuchel won't net the Diamondbacks a big haul in any trade, but if they can flip him for even a mid-level prospect, they should be willing to do that. After signing him following his release from the Chicago White Sox, Keuchel latched on in Arizona, where the results, somehow, have been even worse. A 9.64 ERA across two starts, unfortunately, paints a somewhat accurate representation of the type of pitcher Keuchel is at this point his career. But that doesn't mean there won't be a team willing to roll the dice on him.
Keuchel is an experienced lefty who offers plenty of postseason experience. Teams could do far worse than gambling on a bounce-back from the 34-year-old without sacrificing more than a minor asset. If Keuchel can show some semblance of his former self during his next few starts in Arizona, it may just be enough for the Diamondbacks to flip him for a prospect.
2. Mark Melancon
The 37-year-old has maintained the closer role in Arizona despite his 5.08 ERA. He has just 11 saves on the year and has struck out 17 batters in 28.1 innings. A change of scenery could be exactly what the reliever needs at the tail end of his career, as things just haven't gone to plan with the Diamondbacks.
Melancon is just one year removed from an All-Star appearance with the Padres, and has maintained a sub-2.80 ERA in each of the previous two seasons. The talent is still there, and there should be plenty of teams interested in bringing him on board at the trade deadline. Whether or not he is still suited to high-leverage situations remains to be seen, but he could be a valuable and experienced arm for any bullpen, especially if he's able to return to the levels he displayed in 2020 and 2021.
1. David Peralta
It seems every year David Peralta's name gets floated at the trade deadline. Yet, every year, the Diamondbacks opt to hold onto the outfielder. This will be the year that changes. Peralta's days in Arizona are numbered, and with the Diamondbacks destined to miss the playoffs, it could be the opportune time to capitalize on his value.
The 34-year-old has recorded his best OPS (.788) in the past three years and his 11 home runs this year have already surpassed his season total (8) across 150 games in 2021. While his .250 batting average is the lowest of his career, that's far from an unserviceable number, and he's a very patient hitter capable of drawing walks at a high clip.
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