The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a critical position as July unfolds, sitting fourth in the NL West but showing signs of life after winning two straight and climbing above .500. General Manager Mike Hazen recently discussed the team's approach to the upcoming trade deadline, emphasizing the importance of the next two weeks.
D-backs Aim to Compete, Not Necessarily Lead
Hazen wants the team to demonstrate they are close enough to playoff contention to justify adding talent. He stated, "I want this team to put us in a position to buy... We don’t have to be all the way back in (playoff position) or ahead; we just need to be within a distance that we feel like we’re being responsible in adding to this team.” This suggests a measured approach, focusing on strategic acquisitions rather than a complete overhaul.
Key Games Ahead
The D-backs face a challenging schedule leading up to the All-Star Break. They are currently in a four-game series against the Giants, followed by a series against the Royals. A crucial four-game set in San Diego looms, and they'll wrap up before the break with a series against the Angels. After the break, they host the Cardinals.
These upcoming games are particularly significant as the D-backs will be playing three of the four teams directly ahead of them in the Wild Card race. The team has already capitalized, winning the first two games against San Francisco, while other Wild Card contenders have stumbled. They've significantly narrowed the gap, going from five games back of the final Wild Card spot to just 2.5 games back of both San Diego and St. Louis in a matter of days.
A Chance to Define Their Season
This rapid shift highlights the volatility of the playoff picture this time of year. The Diamondbacks have a golden opportunity to solidify their status as buyers at the deadline. Their performance in these crucial matchups will likely dictate their strategy for the remainder of the season.