Diamondbacks mull Marte trade, target a run at Japanese star slugger
LAS VEGAS — The Diamondbacks are expected to pursue slugger Teruaki Sato, a left-handed-hitting corner bat viewed as the best position player coming to the majors this winter from Japan’s top league, sources confirmed on Wednesday, Nov.
Key points
- Sato, whose profile has some similarities to that of White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami, figures to land a significant contract in part because of the success Murakami had in his first year in the big leagues.
- Though no trade is close, conversations are said to be more advanced than they typically are at this point in the offseason calendar, likely a result of the expected lockout at the end of the month.
- In theory, Sato could give the Diamondbacks a left-handed power presence in the heart of their lineup, a hitter who can help offset their struggles against right-handed pitching.
In addition to Marte discussions, the Diamondbacks are receiving interest from rival clubs in their outfield depth, most notably outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt.
The Diamondbacks also are looking to unload second baseman Ketel Marte, who is set to earn $13.75 million next year.
Additional details
- The Diamondbacks are looking at Sato as a third baseman, a source said, which would push veteran Nolan Arenado to first base, a move Arenado is open to making.
- Club sources are hoping they are able to finalize the Marte situation sooner than later, allowing them to address the rest of their needs after that.
- The organization has had only two Japanese-born players in its history, relievers Takashi Saito (2012) and Yoshihisa Hirano (2018-19).
- A team source said the club is not looking to move Waldschmidt and likely would only do so if the move made sense from a roster construction standpoint — namely, for a similarly aged starting pitcher or left-handed hitter who would help balance their lineup.
- However, managing general partner Ken Kendrick has surprised team officials by approving larger-than-expected expenditures at multiple points in his time as the team’s de facto owner.
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →
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