Here’s where D-backs stand ahead of 2022
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Coming off a 110-loss season, the D-backs had a laundry list of things they wanted to get done during the offseason.
All of that was put on hold on Dec. 1 when the Collective Bargaining Agreement expired, putting a stop to any signings and trades involving players currently on 40-man rosters. Now that activity has once again begun, let's answer some frequently asked questions about the offseason to date:
What new faces did the D-backs acquire?
The biggest move the D-backs made so far was the signing of reliever Mark Melancon to a two-year, $14 million contract. The right-hander instantly gives Arizona something it's lacked the past couple of seasons -- a proven closer.
Shoring up the bullpen was a priority for the D-backs given that only the Orioles had a worse bullpen ERA than Arizona's 5.08 mark in 2021.
The D-backs also acquired outfielder Jordan Luplow from the Rays in exchange for a Minor Leaguer to give themselves a right-handed option in a lefty-heavy outfield.
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Both of those transactions happened before Dec. 1. More recently, the D-backs inked right-hander
Dan Straily to a Minor League deal with an invite to Spring Training.
What did they do about their players eligible for salary arbitration?
The D-backs reached agreements on one-year contracts with relievers Noé Ramirez, Caleb Smith and J.B. Wendelken, while they non-tendered right-hander Taylor Clarke, who immediately was picked up by the Royals.
What arbitration cases could still happen?
There are three players that the D-backs tendered a contract to but had not signed prior to Dec. 1: catcher Carson Kelly, first baseman Christian Walker and right-hander Luke Weaver.
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The D-backs will need to either reach an agreement with each of the three or they will end up in arbitration hearings.
Is the coaching staff set?
Yes. The D-backs made numerous changes on their coaching staff, adding Jeff Banister (bench), Brent Strom (pitching), Joe Mather (hitting), Damian Easley (assistant hitting), Dan Carlson (assistant pitching) and Barry Enright (assistant pitching).
They join holdovers Dave McKay (first), Tony Perezchica (third), Mike Fetters (bullpen), Drew Hedman (assistant hitting), Rick Short (assistant hitting) and Luis Urueta (coordinator, Major League development).
What position will Ketel Marte play in 2022?
It's no secret that Ketel Marte's defensive metrics were poor in center field in 2021, and in September he began playing more second base again.
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That seems to be where the D-backs will play him this year, with young players like
Daulton Varsho, Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas among those who could play center. It's also possible that the D-backs could find someone to play center on the free-agent market, but that seems less likely.