The candidates to replace Paul Goldschmidt in Diamondbacks’ lineup

It is safe to say the Arizona Diamondbacks are having an eventful offseason that has left fans with more questions than answers.

The one question that probably looms the largest: Who will replace the production of Paul Goldschmidt in the D-backs lineup?

That’s a tough ask given the first baseman’s next-level statistical output.

Over the past five seasons, Goldschmidt has averaged a .301 batting average, 29 home runs, 95 runs batted in and a .407 on-base percentage.

With pitchers and catchers already reporting to camp Wednesday, the D-backs will likely be forced to answer that question with who they have on the current roster.

Here are some of the potential options to fill that spot:

OF David Peralta

After winning his first Silver Slugger Award last year, David Peralta could become the new anchor of the lineup in 2019.

Peralta recorded career highs in home-runs (30), RBIs (87), hits (164) and walks (48).

In his five-year career, Peralta has been consistent when healthy and seems to be the leading candidate to fill the void left by Goldschmidt in the middle of the lineup.

Peralta also posted the team’s fourth highest WAR (wins above replacement) in 2018, finishing with a 3.9.

While in the three- or four-hole, the 31-year-old could see some improvement in some categories, as he will presumably receive more plate appearances with runners on base than in previous years.

INF Jake Lamb

If you throw away this past season for Lamb, there is a lot to look forward to from the D-backs third baseman.

Although he spent most of 2018 on the disabled list, Lamb broke out in 2017 on his way to his first All-Star selection. The 28-year-old already has plenty of experience in the middle of the batting order after spending most of the 2017 season batting behind Goldschmidt.

In that spot, Lamb produced 30 home runs, 105 RBIs, a .357 on-base percentage and slugged his way to a .487 slugging percentage. When healthy, Lamb has proved to be a constant force in the D-backs lineup and could become that new feared bat in the middle of the order.

Other than staying healthy, another thing that is holding Lamb back is his struggles against left-handed pitching. Over the past three seasons, Lamb has only managed a .156 batting average against lefties with nine home runs and 38 RBIs.

INF Eduardo Escobar

When the D-backs traded for Escobar last July, many thought he was destined to become a half-year rental. Seven months later, he just may be the one that will surprise D-backs fans the most.

Escobar got called up to the majors for the first time with the White Sox in 2011, but it took until 2017 for him to finally turn it on at the major league level. That year, Escobar surprised the Minnesota Twins when he surpassed 20 home runs for the first time in a single season (21) and shattered his career high in RBIs (73).

Long story short, Escobar has surprised people in the past. On top of that, the 30-year-old is coming off the best statistical year of his career in 2018. Escobar posted career highs in home runs (23), RBIs (84), hits (154) and doubles (48) while splitting time with the D-backs and Twins.

Escobar has the ability to fill the space left by Goldschmidt and provide the advantage of having a dangerous switch-hitter in the middle of the lineup.

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