Expect more action for D-backs at Meetings

PHOENIX -- There will be far less drama surrounding the D-backs at next week's Winter Meetings, now that the much-anticipated trade of Paul Goldschmidt has happened.
As for whether that means there will be less action for general manager Mike Hazen and his staff while they are in Las Vegas, well, that remains to be seen.
Thus far this offseason, the D-backs have re-signed infielder Eduardo Escobar to a three-year contract, added free-agent pitcher Merrill Kelly and dealt Goldschmidt to the Cardinals for catcher Carson Kelly, right-hander Luke Weaver, Minor League infielder Andy Young and a Competitive Balance Round B pick in the 2019 Draft.
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The moves took care of the top item on the D-backs' to-do list, which was to add a starting pitcher.
"Not necessarily," Hazen said when asked if other moves would come quickly. "I think as far as the offseason, we haven't even gotten to the Winter Meetings yet. There seems to be a flurry of activity already. We'll see what else is out there for us."

Club needs: Assuming that A.J. Pollock departs via free agency, the D-backs will need to fill a hole in center field. They have Jarrod Dyson -- who missed a large chunk of last season due to injury -- and Socrates Brito on the roster, but will aim to upgrade.
They will also look to add bullpen depth because Hazen never feels like a team can have too many bullpen arms.
And yes, there's also the matter of figuring out who will play first base, though that could come internally from Jake Lamb or Christian Walker.
Whom might they trade? Given his contract -- he's owed around $104 million over the next three seasons -- Zack Greinke's name will undoubtably come up. The D-backs, however, say they will not move him just to cut salary and do not feel they should have to eat money in any potential Greinke deal.
It's possible the D-backs could field offers for other players if they decide to do more of a teardown than a rebuild, but at this point they don't seem inclined to do so.
Prospects to know: While position players like shortstop Jazz Chisholm and catcher Daulton Varsho are still a year away from the big leagues, the D-backs do have some pitching depth that could help in 2019. Right-handers Jon Duplantier, Taylor Clarke and Taylor Widener could all arrive in the big leagues during the coming season.
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Rule 5 Draft: The D-backs suffered a significant loss in the Rule 5 Draft last offseason, when the Royals plucked right-hander Brad Keller from them. This year, Arizona was slightly more aggressive in adding players to the 40-man roster.
Payroll summary: The D-backs set a franchise record last season when they started the year at over $130 million, finishing it just north of $140 million. They likely will come in close to the $130 million mark on Opening Day 2019.