ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Report: Diamondbacks eyeing vet INFs Evan Longoria, Justin Turner

Dec 9, 2022, 9:14 AM

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.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar, D-backs...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, GM Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

15 hours ago

General shot of Chase Field...

Bailey Leasure

What’s new at Chase Field for the 2024 D-backs season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 season will see the team debut new food items, enhancements to the ballpark and giveaways.

21 hours ago

Bryce Jarvis #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch during the second inning in the game ag...

Vincent DeAngelis

Bryce Jarvis starting season in long reliever role for Diamondbacks

Twenty-six-year-old Bryce Jarvis will start the 2024 season in a long relief role for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

21 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Reports: Diamondbacks, LHP Jordan Montgomery agree to terms on contract

The Diamondbacks and big-ticket free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery agreed to terms on a contract, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. 

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Zac Gallen says Diamondbacks are ready for opponents’ best daily

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the excitement surrounding his second straight Opening Day start for the Snakes, and the overall excitement the team has for the coming season.

2 days ago

Kevin Ginkel...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Kevin Ginkel has no problem if asked to close in Paul Sewald’s absence

Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel has not been told whether he will step into the closer role with Paul Sewald on the injured list.

2 days ago

Report: Diamondbacks eyeing vet INFs Evan Longoria, Justin Turner