The Arizona Diamondbacks are well-positioned to be competitive this season. They demonstrated last year that a postseason berth could lead to anything happening. However, they weren’t very proactive at the trade deadline, leaving gaps in their roster that need addressing to stay competitive in October. Fortunately, their farm system is rich with top-tier minor league talent, including a top 100 prospect.
To bolster their roster for the second half of the season, the Diamondbacks are likely to tap into this talent pool. Here are three prospects who could make an immediate impact:
**3. Adrian Del Castillo, C, Triple-A**
Adrian Del Castillo, ranked 28th among the Diamondbacks’ prospects, has been one of the standout performers in their system. The 24-year-old catcher boasts a remarkable .322/.403/.608 slash line, with 23 home runs and 36 doubles in 98 games. Such offensive production from a catcher is exceptionally rare, making Del Castillo a valuable asset. Including him in the postseason roster could provide the impactful bat the team missed out on acquiring via trade. With potential to hit .270 and slug 20 home runs, he could be a game-changer.
**2. Cristian Mena, RHP, Triple-A**
As the Diamondbacks seek to reinforce their pitching staff for the postseason, Cristian Mena could be a key addition. The 21-year-old right-hander, currently ranked 11th among the team’s prospects, has shown promise despite a 4.61 ERA in Triple-A and a challenging major league debut. Mena features a diverse pitch arsenal and is coming off a couple of solid starts. If he continues to build on this progress, he could soon be contributing to the big league team, whether as a starter or bullpen option.
**1. Jordan Lawlar, SS, Triple-A/Injured List**
Jordan Lawlar, the Diamondbacks’ top prospect, is the most anticipated call-up. Lawlar, an elite shortstop, has been sidelined due to a thumb surgery earlier in the season and is currently dealing with a hamstring injury. According to Nick Piecoro of USA Today, Lawlar is expected to return by September after a six to eight-week recovery period. When healthy, Lawlar has posted an impressive .327/.414/.531 line across rookie ball and Triple-A this season. His speed, bat, and defensive skills make him a top-tier talent who could significantly enhance the Diamondbacks’ infield depth. His return could serve as a high-impact addition akin to a trade acquisition they didn’t secure.
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