Arizona Diamondbacks not aiming to trade C Carson Kelly

As a part of a package deal for outgoing outfielder Daulton Varsho, the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired catcher Gabriel Moreno, who earlier than he graduated from rookie standing final season was the No. 7 prospect in baseball.

D-backs normal supervisor Mike Hazen informed reporters after the commerce with the Toronto Blue Jays that he sees the 22-year-old Moreno making an affect in 2023 after he performed nicely over a 25-game span final 12 months.

However that doesn’t spell the tip of catcher Carson Kelly’s time in Arizona, as Hazen stated the Moreno addition doesn’t imply he’s trying to transfer the 28-year-old veteran.

“This isn’t about (Moreno) coming in right here and having to take over that place,” Hazen stated. “We really feel like it is a good runway for him. We very a lot nonetheless imagine in Carson and what he can do and he has the expertise on our employees to steer the pitchers, this group of pitchers that we’ve had now. And so we really feel prefer it’s a superb match.”

“We nonetheless suppose Carson is an important piece to what we now have right here, Hazen added.”

Kelly has performed 352 video games with the D-backs since coming over from the St. Louis Cardinals as a part of the Paul Goldschmidt commerce on the finish of the 2018 season.

By inconsistent offensive manufacturing over the 4 seasons, the backstop has produced a 95 OPS+ (100 is league common) and obtained reward for his work with the pitching employees.

Moreno has had a cup of espresso within the bigs however, as Hazen put it, hasn’t performed sufficient to cross the divide from minor leaguer to main leaguer greater than a handful of video games. Hazan complimented the younger catcher’s hitting potential and blocking however stated there may be some work to do along with his receiving.

There’s nonetheless a task in Hazen’s eyes for Kelly this upcoming season, doubtlessly because the Opening Day starter.

The GM additionally assured that Kelly’s position is way over a delegated mentor to Moreno.

Hazen stated the catcher is a pure chief however his focus needs to be on being as efficient on the sector as doable subsequent season.

“Once we discuss to Carson, ‘Mentorship is nice, however you want to maintain your self first, proper?’” Hazen stated. “Carson the participant must shine. And we’ll deal with the mentorship organically. 

“We’ve talked to him about that and that’s nice as a result of he all the time needs to assist. And he does, and he can have expertise in sure areas and he’s such an awesome teammate. I would like Carson being one of the best catcher that he will be for our staff.”

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