The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to trade for a good-hitting corner outfielder and are looking in particular at Cubs' right fielder Nate Schierholtz, reports Jon Morosi of Fox Sports.
Nate Schierholtz trade rumors: Diamondbacks interested in OF
The Diamondbacks are looking to inject some power into their lineup from an outfield spot.
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Arizona currently has Gerardo Parra in right field and top prospect Adam Eaton as the likely starter in left field. Neither player hit particularly well in 2013: Eaton played in 66 games and hit .251/.314/.360 while Parra was in the lineup all year and posted a 726 OPS. Further, neither offers much in the way of power which is where Schierholtz could help: He hit 21 home runs for the Cubs in 2013, though he also posted just a .301 OBP. Over a seven-year career, Schierholtz has a 739 OPS.
Both Eaton and Parra do come with their benefits, however. Eaton is just 24 and has yet to play a full season in the major leagues. He should improve with time and may be a mainstay in the Arizona outfield. Parra, meanwhile, is coming off an outstanding defensive season that saw him walk away with a Gold Glove and numerous other fielding awards.
A trade for Schierholtz or another outfielder may be a move to form an outfield rotation to keep each player fresh. A strict platoon is likely out of the question as Schierholtz, Parra and Eaton all bat left handed. A.J. Pollock and Cody Ross could also compete for a spot in the Diamondbacks' outfield.
It’s possible that Schierholtz could be packaged with Jeff Samardzija in a deal. The Diamondbacks have been rumored to have a great deal of interest in the Cubs’ starting pitcher. If Arizona were to give up Adam Eaton as part of the return, brining in Schierholtz as a replacement would make sense.
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