The Best Defenders in the Diamondbacks Farm System

As continued coverage of the Diamondbacks farm system, here at Inside the Diamondbacks we are going to do a tool-by-tool analysis and pick out the best prospects for each tool. Each tool is graded on the 20-80 scouting scale, where 50 is the major league average.

The next tool will be the defense tool. For the D-backs defense is something that the organization values a lot, given their recent draft decisions to take top athletes that project to be solid or better defenders early in the draft. Defense is very difficult to assess without taking a look at how the players play in the field first, and raw physical tools don't always translate. First step quickness and instincts are often the biggest indicators whether or not a player has sufficient range to play his position.

Down below is a table explaining the potential impact of a prospect's defense grade and how that translates to value, in terms of the Defensive Runs Saved across the league.

With the criteria established, we'll take a look at the top defenders at each position group from the list of the organization's Top 30 prospects.

Catcher: J.J. D'Orazio (45)

Full Scouting Report

Catcher defense can be difficult to assess, as the position requires handling multiple responsibilities. While the D-backs have the reigning Gold Glove catcher with five more years of control, the system is bereft of quality catching prospects. D'Orazio is the most major league ready prospect at the position in the Top 30, but is multiple years away from a big league role.

Infield: Jordan Lawlar (60)

Full Scouting Report

Jordan Lawlar is arguably the best defensive infielder in the organization, already showing he can handle the shortstop position in a small sample size. In just a handful of chances, he's recorded +1 Defensive Runs Saved and +2 Outs Above Average at the major league level. While his defense is major league ready, how good the bat looks will determine when he gets the opportunity to earn the everyday shortstop role. In 51 throws, 24 short of qualifying on the Statcast leaderboard, his max arm strength of 92.0 MPH would rank 20th out of 57 at the position and tied for 159th overall out of 399 players.

Outfield: Druw Jones (70)

Full Scouting Report

Jones is already the best outfield defender in the organization and that includes two-time Gold Glove finalist Alek Thomas. Like his father he has amazing range in center field, especially when going back to the wall. The glove is almost good enough for an everyday center field role, should his bat fail to reach that lofty ceiling. In the event that the team has multiple center field options, he's also a candidate to move to right field where his plus-plus arm and defensive skill puts him on a short list of Gold Glove candidates at the position.

Honorable Mentions:

Dominic Fletcher (60) - Despite lacking raw speed, Fletcher has very good instincts and profiles well defensively in right field due to a strong throwing arm and excellent first step quickness. Fletcher profiles as a 4th/5th outfielder that could be a late inning defensive replacement.
Tommy Troy (55) - Troy will get the chance to develop at shortstop despite it being unlikely to be his long term position. He has a good, not great arm and better profiles for second base long term but could end up at either third or even the outfield. He has the instincts and athleticism to play any position on the field if necessary.