All Eyes on Me: Diamondbacks Players to Watch in Spring Training

Madison Bumgarner

No introduction needed for starter Madison Bumgarner. Perhaps the most anticipated player – being a former Giants starting pitcher and three-time World Series Champion – Bumgarner looks to put a strong impression on the franchise. Coming off a down year, Bumgarner has yet to make his D-Backs debut. With the pitching style Bumgarner brings to the table, not to mention his credentials, it may be only a matter of time before he reintroduces himself with his ace-caliber pitching. Bumgarner’s presence may be what the rotation and bullpen need to reach new heights in 2020 and beyond.

Starling Marte

The former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder made his debut with the Diamondbacks against the Giants, going 1-for-2 with a double, stolen base, and a walk. Marte is coming off a strong performance with the Pirates in 2019 with a .295 batting average and .845 OPS. The addition of Marte marks the creation of an outfield fille with Gold Glove Awards, as both David Peralta and Kole Calhoun have also won the award. Additionally, it allows 2019 all-star Ketel Marte to return to 2B full-time.

Seth Beer

One of the prospects involved in the Zack Greinke trade in 2019, first baseman Seth Beer has continued to make progress in Arizona’s farm system. Beer posted a .289 average with a .904 OPS overall in 2019, between both farm systems. The Arizona Fall League player made his first start in Spring Training against the Giants, going a 1-for-3 with a run scored. At the major league level, the first base position is locked down by Christian Walker with Jake Lamb as a backup. However, Seth Beer is a name to watch for as he continues to develop his game. Look for Beer to earn the call within the next year or two.

Stephen Vogt

Though the backstop is manned primarily by Carson Kelly, there is no reason to overlook former Giants catcher Stephen Vogt. Vogt served as one of the catchers for Bumgarner last season. In 2019, Vogt posted a .263/.314/.804 slash line in 255 plate appearances with the Giants. It seems Vogt will primarily be a backup to Kelly. He may even be Bumgarner’s battery-mate due to his familiarity with the pitcher. That familiarity and established chemistry can certainly help Bumgarner find his form quickly this spring, which is one of the biggest questions going into the 2020 season. Vogt went 0-for-2 in his D-Backs debut against his former team.

There are many other players that are expected to make a significant impact for the Diamondbacks either this season or in the near future. But one thing is clear: the Arizona Diamondbacks want a postseason appearance and are all-in for a potential playoff berth.