Blaze Alexander trade swings door open for Jordan Lawlar

By trading Blaze Alexander, the Diamondbacks took a player off the roster who was primed to fill a versatile role in 2026.

He was set to compete for outfield playing time, particularly with left field being an open question, as well as spell veteran infielders on days when third baseman Nolan Arenado or second baseman Ketel Marte are used as a designated hitter or off the bench.

Alexander was admittedly a tough player to move off of after his standout second half, but the trade spoke to Arizona’s need to bolster the bullpen, which the club has attempted to do without significant payroll investments.

Kade Strowd, the reliever acquired for Alexander, joins Taylor Clarke ($1.5 million) as the only two relievers acquired this offseason by Arizona and on the 40-man roster. The Diamondbacks also signed a number of arms to minor league deals with spring training invitations.

General manager Mike Hazen said there was a limited number of players the club was willing to trade in order to get a deal like this done. He also called it a vote of confidence for others in the organization vying for some overlapping roles, such as 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.

Lawlar, outfielder Jorge Barrosa and utility player Tim Tawa are the remaining 40-man roster options to fill the void in left field as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. recovers from a torn ACL. Prospects Ryan Waldschmidt, Kristian Robinson and A.J. Vukovich are non-roster invitees this spring and darkhorse candidates.

Gurriel went down in September but has been active on social media showing his progress. Hazen said Gurriel is doing well but that he did not have a return date to count on.

Could Jordan Lawlar become the Diamondbacks’ LF?

Lawlar has been a part-time player in the major leagues thus far in his career, and this is his chance to earn an everyday role.

Hazen said Lawlar will get some looks along the infield this spring, but most of his reps will be on the outfield grass.

“We’re not closing off the infield, but I still think that’s probably the more realistic path here,” Hazen said of Lawlar in the outfield.

That will be his most direct track to everyday playing time, while his ability to fill in along the infield could be helpful for Arizona in building out a complete roster.

Lawlar has played only three professional games in the outfield, however, each with Tigres Del Licey in the Dominican Winter League.

“I enjoyed the switch-up,” Lawlar told Arizona Sports in December. “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.”

He has the speed and athleticism to go get the ball. Along the infield, he went through some lowlights last year, and the D-backs took his glove away over the final few weeks.

Perhaps the struggles were accredited to early-career jitters or over-thinking, but he did not solidify himself on a team looking to improve defensively, one that traded for Arenado to lock down third base. There is a chance the outfield will be a welcome change of pace, which is not to say he cannot develop into a strong infielder, as well.

The San Diego Padres have recently found success moving athletic infielders into outfield roles with Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr.

Will the Diamondbacks add another bat?

There is still the chance that the D-backs will add another bat this offseason via trade or free agency in order to fill the void left by Alexander.

Someone who can play the outfield is a plus, but the primary need is a backup infielder who can play shortstop. There are internal candidates, such as veteran incumbent Ildemaro Vargas, who is on a minor league deal. Remaining free agents who fit that profile are Ramon Urias, Luis Rengifo, Luis Urias and Enrique Hernandez.

“ The position player group we need to sort of build back out a little bit underneath where we were before,” Hazen said. “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 did not have many starting lineup questions going into camp last year. This time, they have plenty, which breeds competition:

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?
Left field: ?
Designated hitter: Adrian Del Castillo?/right-handed platoon?

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