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Next Season’s First Baseman

The Arizona Diamondbacks' first base position has suffered from significant instability, with no player reaching 120 games at the spot in the last two seasons and the team posting negative Wins Above Average figures of -2.2 and -2.4 in the recent campaigns. This season, Ildemaro Vargas logged the most appearances with 74 games, but the role was heavily shared among Jose Fernandez, Pavin Smith, Tim Tawa, and Tyler Locklear across different months.

Looking ahead, Tim Tawa emerges as a strong candidate for a starting role, having improved his OPS monthly through August to finish above league average while providing above-average defense. Pavin Smith, who was designated for assignment in July, returned in September to post a 1.144 OPS in 24 plate appearances and faces arbitration next year.

Meanwhile, 35-year-old Ildemaro Vargas, who signed a minor league deal in December, is set to become a free agent after recording a 27-game hitting streak, the longest for a Diamondback in 27 years.

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