The Arizona Diamondbacks have been one of the biggest surprises in baseball this season, surging up the MLB power rankings this summer and firmly in the playoff picture. Now, MLB trade rumors are swirling regarding Arizona’s plans at the deadline.
Entering MLB games today, Arizona has scored the sixth-most runs (490) in the majors and ranks top-10 in batting average (.257) and slugging (.430). However, pitching has been a significant weakness for the club.
Related: MLB trade tracker
Through 99 games, Arizona ranks 24th in ERA (4.56), 12th in quality starts (36), 20th in WHIP (1.34) and 21st in batting average allowed (.251). As the front office looks for ways to improve this team’s playoff outlook, the rotation is coming under focus.
- Lucas Giolito stats (2023): 3.96 ERA, 25.2% K-rate, .227 batting average allowed, 1.2 WHIP
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Diamondbacks are among the teams actively pursuing Lucas Giolito. Arizona is joined in the mix by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are pushing hard to improve their starting rotation.
Giolito is a reasonable target considering the Diamondbacks’ approach to the MLB trade deadline. Arizona doesn’t want to sacrifice its top prospects for short-term gains and half-season rentals are historically cheaper to acquire than players with multiple years of contract control.
- Lucas Giolito contract: $10.4 million salary in 2023, 2024 free agent
Related: Top MLB free agents 2024
With the Chicago White Sox selling and Giolito expected to be moved, it’s realistic to think Arizona will be in the running for him until he’s traded. If the Diamondbacks acquired Giolito, he could step in as the No. 2 starter behind Zac Gallen with Merrill Kelly on the 15-day injured list.
In terms of Giolito’s acquisition cost, the Diamondbacks could likely keep a majority of their top-10 prospects and either offer Chicago one top-12 prospect or multiple top-25 prospects from its farm system.
