Blaze Alexander's Strong Spring Earned Himself a Major League Opportunity

The infield prospect consistently played at a high level both at the plate and in the field, forcing the D-backs to make a tough decision.

Diamondbacks rookie Blaze Alexander (9) waits to take to the field against the Rockies during Opening Day / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY

One of the biggest stories heading into Opening Day was how infielder prospect Blaze Alexander played his way onto the Diamondbacks roster. He was coming off a tough 2023 season, in which he missed two months due to a fractured thumb. He was considered for a potential call-up candidate in the second half, but was passed up in favor of trade deadline acquisition Jace Peterson in July and top prospect Jordan Lawlar in September. However, 2024 was a new year and a new opportunity to showcase himself.

His spring couldn't have gotten off to a rougher start. He drew the ire of manager Torey Lovullo against the Reds when he banged a ball off the center field wall and spent too much time admiring it. Lovullo was quick to remind his young infielder that was not acceptable.

"Blaze and I had some difficult conversations early in Spring Training because of some of the things he wasn't doing the right way, the Diamondback way."

That served as a teaching moment for the 24-year-old infielder. The lesson learned then was being consistent every day and putting in the hard work necessary to improve as a player. From that point forward, he just about did as much as any young player could do to make an Opening Day roster. Alexander hit .400 in the spring, constantly impacting the baseball, and providing quality defense at three different infield positions. He forced the coaching staff to make a tough decision, ultimately choosing the young infielder over a more established player in Emmanuel Rivera.

"We didn't just hand him this opportunity. We had to move on from a very good player that we trusted very much, and it was a tough decision. But Blaze did what we want all young players to do, and that's plow his way into the conversation and then take advantage of things. He did that."

Lovullo called Alexander into his office Wednesday evening, telling him he made the big league club. That moment was captured by the team, which you can watch from the embedded tweet below.

"Make sure [your parents] have good seats, because you're going to be a big leaguer tomorrow."

The moment @BAlexander52 found out his lifelong dream was going to be a reality. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Qz2HXfX4cU

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 28, 2024

After making the club, Alexander called his parents to share the good news. His family was able to attend Opening Day to watch him make his first career start as the designated hitter. Alexander collected his first two hits, the first capping off a historic inning for the franchise, and first RBI of his career.

Alexander is expected to play a utility role on the infield, backing up three infield positions and starting against left-handed pitchers. Early in spring, he got a lot of work with third base and infield coach Tony Perezchica at third but has extensive playing time at both middle infield positions in the minor leagues. He played his first inning in the field in the 9th inning in last night's win, playing shortstop and recording an assist on the final out of the game. He describes himself as a real athletic, high-energy player with a laid-back personality, a kid living out his dreams.