D-backs Spring Breakout Roster: Pitchers and Catchers
The Diamondbacks announced their 26-man roster of prospects, taking 10 pitchers, two catchers, seven infielders, and seven outfielders to the Spring Breakout series. Part 1 will cover the pitchers and catchers participating in the event, from highest to lowest ranked on our prospect list at Inside the Diamondbacks.
Yu-Min Lin (No. 5) got his first taste of big league camp after pitching well in High-A and Double-A. When on, he can command seven different pitch types starting with a fastball that sits low 90s. This spring he was reportedly up to 92-94 MPH on his 4-seamer, but was very erratic in a poor outing against the A's. He has the ceiling of a No. 4/5 starter who could be competing for a rotation spot as early as next spring.
Dylan Ray (No. 10) had a strong first year in the D-backs system, fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander get can up to 96 MPH with a sharp, downward angle on his 4-seamer that sets up a full four-pitch mix of average or better pitches. With the ideal body type and a diverse repertoire, Ray projects as a No. 3/4 starter in the future.
Blake Walston (No. 17) is coming off a very uneven year in 2023 with Triple-A Reno. His fastball velocity dropped, his cutter started blending with his slider, and he lost the feel for his changeup. The left-hander is more confident in his cutter and slider in 2024, suggesting better peripherals possibly in his second stint in Reno. He has the makings for a No. 5 starter.
Cristian Mena (No. 21) was acquired by the D-backs last month in exchange for Dominic Fletcher. The right-hander has reportedly seen his fastball velocity tick up from 92 MPH to the 94-96 MPH range this spring, so any sustained velocity gains will drastically improve his profile when factoring in a solid mix of secondary stuff. He'll pitch with Reno much of the season, but could be a Top 10 prospect one year from now.
Landon Sims (No. 22) was taken for two plus-plus quality pitches in the draft, but hasn't been able to find his velocity since rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Until he reaches the 94-98 MPH readings he had as a sophomore closer at Mississippi State, it will be more difficult to project him in a big role. His fastball plays above its velocity due to it's vertical profile and the slider is a big swing-and-miss pitch. The D-backs may be better off converting him to full-time relief and hope he can pitch in shorter bursts.
Yilber Diaz (No. 26) is a power arm that sits 94-98 MPH with a power curveball. While the team is developing him as a starter, the inconsistent command and high octane heater scream reliever profile. If the D-backs make the conversion with Diaz, it's very possible he could get some MLB action come 2024. He would join the list of hard-throwing right-handers in the organization, which includes Conor Grammes (see below) and Justin Martinez.
Christian Cerda (No. 28) is a lower level catching prospect who very much fits the three true outcomes baseball. His offensive profile consists mostly of walks and home runs, with 11 home runs in 108 games and a walk rate of just under 20%. While that is a very volatile profile at most positions, that's more than enough offense if the glove develops enough to be a backup catcher. His defense is still very much a work in progress, but the physical traits are there.
Conor Grammes (NR) is a wild card in the bullpen mix. Stuff wise, he is second only to Justin Martinez in terms of fastball velocity and has a swing-and-miss slider. Control has been an issue, with a career 6.0 walks per 9 innings. However he has pitched considerably better this spring. Any sort of command improvement over a notable sample size and he's knocking on the door for a big league opportunity.
Zane Russell (NR) is a reliever who could rocket up the system in 2024 and debut at some point in the 2025 season. While he doesn't light up the radar gun, sitting more mid-90s, his fastball plays above its velocity with late movement and has a solid slider and changeup. He reached High-A in his summer debut and if what the D-backs saw from him after the draft is the new normal, he could be a Top 30 prospect next year.
Sam Knowlton (NR) is another power arm, selected in the 12th round of the 2023 draft. The 6'8" right-hander had a 6.65 ERA in 23 innings for South Alabama, but ranked second in Stuff+ for draft-eligible pitchers from the college ranks. 2024 could be his first healthy year after missing 2022 with Tommy John surgery. He can touch triple digits with his 4-seamer and pairs that up with a hard slider. Strictly a one-inning reliever profile due to questionable command.
Christian Montes De Oca (NR) doesn't have the same impressive velocity, sitting in the mid-90s, but has a strong track record through Double-A. His fastball is 94-96 MPH with a swing-and-miss slider. He got an opportunity to participate in big league Spring Training this year and could be an arm to watch in 2025.
Alberto Barriga (NR) was part of the D-backs 2022 international signing class. He only appeared in 10 games at the complex level in 2023, but hit .414. While there isn't much of a sample size, the early returns on the young catcher are encouraging. He could get a longer leash at the Complex League in 2024.
