Report: Diamondbacks eyeing vet INFs Evan Longoria, Justin Turner
Dec 9, 2022, 9:09 AM
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 05: Infielder Evan Longoria #10 of the San Francisco Giants warms up before the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on July 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
If the rumor mill can be used for context clues, it’s apparent that the Arizona Diamondbacks want to complement their young pieces with veterans ready to plug obvious roster holes.
One of those holes is at third base, and it appears Arizona is targeting familiar faces from the NL West.
MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported Friday that the D-backs are among five teams “looking” at free agent infielder Evan Longoria and among about six “in on” Justin Turner.
Longoria, who has played for the San Francisco Giants from 2018-22, has been linked to the Diamondbacks for a few months now.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported in October that he would only be interested in playing for San Francisco, Arizona or the Tampa Bay Rays. He began his MLB career with the Rays from 2008-17.
The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro reported in November the D-backs were expected to have interest in Longoria.
The Giants did not pick up a $13 million option to keep him out of the free-agent market this offseason.
Last year, as a 36-year-old, Longoria slashed .244/.315/.451 in 89 games. He hit 14 home runs and 42 RBIs with 83 strikeouts and 27 walks in 298 plate appearances.
Turner, 37, has played for the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2014.
He is just two years removed from making an All-Star team and last season slashed .278/.350/.438.
Turner posted 13 homers, 81 RBIs and 50 walks with 89 strikeouts over 128 games and 532 plate appearances.
Longoria and Turner reportedly being on the radar might indicate that Arizona certainly wants to boost the production and leadership at third base, seeking a right-handed bat specifically.
In 2022, 28-year-old lefty Josh Rojas made 89 starts at third.
Sergio Alcantara and Emmanuel Rivera each made 27 additional starts there.
This story was first published by Sactown Sports‘ sister station, Arizona Sports.
