Diamondbacks Showing They Are All In for 2014

Stationed in a National League West division that could be one of the best in baseball next season, the Arizona Diamondbacks appear to be all in for contending in 2014.

After acquiring power-hitting left fielder Mark Trumbo in a three-team deal earlier in the month, which will allow Martin Prado to man third base, the Diamondbacks shipped promising third base prospect Matt Davidson to the White Sox for 25-year-old closer Addison Reed.

Reed will compete with J.J. Putz and Brad Ziegler for the closer’s role in spring training, and Arizona’s bullpen is expected to be a strength. Yet general manager Kevin Towers has been vocal about adding a starting pitcher. Chicago Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija and Tampa Bay Rays left-hander David Price are possibilities.

So far this offseason, Arizona has traded three prospects in left-handed pitchers Tyler Skaggs and David Holmberg, and outfielder Adam Eaton. They still have one of the top starting pitching prospects in baseball – 21-year-old right-hander Archie Bradley – but since the club seems reluctant to further deplete the farm system, signing a free agent arm like Matt Garza is an option.

With Patrick Corbin, Trevor Cahill, Wade Miley, Brandon McCarthy and Randall Delgado, the Diamondbacks have the makings of a strong rotation. Garza would give the team a proven veteran with post-season experience and not cost it more prospects.

To provide a backup corner infielder for Prado and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Towers is also reportedly interested in bringing back 36-year-old Eric Chavez, who batted .281 with nine home runs in 254 plate appearances for Arizona in 2013.