With less than two weeks before pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training and all eyes on the new Diamondbacks Mike Hazen, the front office and his executive staff have added to the major league roster, we take a look at three Dbacks’ prospects already in the system that look to make noise in 2020.
Cargo ships and crustaceans aren’t the only great exports The Bahamas produces. The West Indies island between Florida and Cuba also produced power outfielder Kristian Robinson. Robinson will play this season as a 19-year old who will put his massive power on display in A-ball this summer. Power isn’t his only tool as the Bohemian also plays strong defense, runs especially well for his physical frame and has a developing approach scouts believe in. As Robinson continues to develop his strike zone awareness, the baby-faced giant will begin to have fans in the greater Phoenix area calling for his debut in 2021.
When I think trade deadline steals, I can’t help but think of Corbin Martin. The right-handed starter shows four major league pitches- a mid-to-high-90s fastball, an above average curveball along with a changeup and slider- all which he commands. Had Martin not had a bumpy MLB debut and then required Tommy John surgery, there’s no way the Diamondbacks could have acquired him with other quality pieces from Houston in the Zack Greinke trade from last July 31st. Martin is expected back after the All-Star break and if he regains his old form, the Dbacks may have added a #3-type starter.
Another arm looking to make noise at Chase Field this year is JB Bukauskas. This former Tar Heel was an important piece acquired from the Astros in the Greinke deal. Bukauskas is a righty pitcher with two excellent pitches- a fastball in the upper 90s and a swing-and-miss slider. If he establishes his changeup, he may push his way into the middle of the Arizona rotation. If not, Bukauskus has a chance of being a Josh Hader-esque type reliever capable of going multiple innings per outing.
With both the major league roster and the minor league system filled with upside, 2020 looks to be a year for Arizona fans to constantly tune in to the MLB At-Bat and the MiLB First Pitch apps to keep up with all the exciting Dbacks’ talent.
