The Arizona Diamondbacks traded Blaze Alexander in an effort to improve their bullpen, sacrificing a versatile player who was expected to contribute significantly in 2026. Alexander was poised to compete for outfield minutes, primarily in left field, and serve as a utility option for veteran infielders Nolan Arenado and Ketel Marte when they were designated hitters or came off the bench.
Despite Alexander’s strong second half last season, the Diamondbacks prioritized their need for relief pitching without increasing payroll substantially. The club acquired reliever Kade Strowd in exchange for Alexander. Strowd joins Taylor Clarke, the only other reliever on the 40-man roster added this offseason, alongside a number of arms signed to minor league contracts with spring training invites.
General Manager Highlights Confidence in Emerging Players
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen acknowledged that there was a limited group of players Arizona was willing to trade to facilitate this deal. He framed the move as a vote of confidence in other players competing for overlapping roles, notably former top prospect Jordan Lawlar.
I felt like Blaze had carved out an area on this team that he could impact. … I do believe others are gonna be able to, as well,
Hazen said.
With Lourdes Gurriel Jr. recovering from a torn ACL, the roster spot left vacant in left field is contested by Lawlar along with Jorge Barrosa and utility player Tim Tawa. Additionally, prospects Ryan Waldschmidt, Kristian Robinson, and A.J. Vukovich are non-roster invitees this spring, considered underdog candidates for playing time. Gurriel suffered his injury last September but has shared progress updates on social media, though no return date has been confirmed.
Jordan Lawlar’s Opportunity to Claim Left Field Regular Spot
Lawlar, who has been a part-time MLB player so far, now has a chance to earn an everyday role with the Diamondbacks. While he will receive some looks in the infield during spring training, most of his playing time is expected to come in the outfield.
We’re not closing off the infield, but I still think that’s probably the more realistic path here,
Hazen said referring to Lawlar’s positioning.
This transition to the outfield represents Lawlar’s clearest route to consistent playing time, while his utility capabilities can provide added roster flexibility. Lawlar has minimal outfield experience at the professional level, having only played three games in left field with Tigres Del Licey during the Dominican Winter League.
Lawlar expressed enthusiasm about the new role, sharing in December with Arizona Sports,
It’s something I played in high school a little bit, and then when I was younger … I never professionally played there, so I love new challenges.
With his speed and athleticism, Lawlar has the tools to cover ground in the outfield. However, he struggled defensively last season in the infield, leading the Diamondbacks to reduce his fielding responsibilities late in the year. The club’s investment in Nolan Arenado to secure third base further limits Lawlar’s infield opportunities. The shift to the outfield may provide a fresh start, echoing success seen recently by the San Diego Padres with athletic infielders Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. transitioning to outfield roles.
Possible Roster Moves to Address Backup Infielder and Outfield Voids
The Diamondbacks could still pursue additional players this offseason to fill gaps left by Alexander’s departure. The priority is a backup infielder, particularly someone who can cover shortstop. Although internal options like veteran Ildemaro Vargas remain in contention on a minor league deal, there are available free agents such as Ramon Urias, Luis Rengifo, Luis Urias, and Enrique Hernandez who fit the role.
The position player group we need to sort of build back out a little bit underneath where we were before,
Hazen commented.
Protection at second, short, third, outfield. There’s still guys on the market we’re talking to. I’m sure there’ll still be trade opportunities. … So we’ll see where that all heads here in the next few weeks.
The Diamondbacks face numerous lineup questions heading into spring training, contrasting with the relative stability they enjoyed last year. The projected competition for starting roles includes:
Catcher: Gabriel Moreno
First base: Pavin Smith / Carlos Santana
Second base: Ketel Marte
Shortstop: Geraldo Perdomo
Third base: Nolan Arenado
Right field: Corbin Carroll
Center field: Alek Thomas / right-handed platoon candidate
Left field: TBD
Designated hitter: Adrian Del Castillo / right-handed platoon option
Implications of the Blaze Alexander Trade on the Diamondbacks’ Future
The trade involving Blaze Alexander signals the Diamondbacks’ intent to reshape their roster around bullpen improvement and internal player development. By moving a multi-positional player, Arizona is betting on prospects like Jordan Lawlar to step up and fill prominent roles, particularly in the outfield. While this approach creates uncertainty, especially with Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s injury limiting experienced options in left field, it also opens opportunities for younger players to prove themselves.
Arizona’s strategy is a balancing act between shoring up pitching depth and managing offensive and defensive holes, all while navigating payroll constraints. The team’s ability to add complementary bats or infielders via free agency or trade remains a critical factor as spring training approaches. With multiple position battles and a reconfigured roster, the Diamondbacks enter the new season with a mixture of anticipation and unresolved questions about their lineup’s configuration.
