Diamondbacks acquire four prospects at MLB Trade Deadline

The Arizona Diamondbacks made four substantial moves Monday during the MLB Trade Deadline.

In a span of two hours, Arizona shipped Robbie Ray, Starling Marte, Andrew Chafin and Archie Bradley to four different teams. The D-backs alleviated some cap space and reportedly received six players in return, along with one player to be named later or cash considerations.

As it stands currently, Arizona acquired four new prospects to add to its farm system. Below is a breakdown of each new D-backs prospect.

Travis Bergen- Age: 26 Position Pitcher

At this point of his career, it’s hard to consider left-hander Travis Bergen a prospect. But he has yet to total 75 days of service time or pitch at least 50 innings in the majors. The D-backs acquired Bergen from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Ray.

The 26-year-old appeared in one game with the Blue Jays this season, pitching 1.2 innings in relief. He posts a career 2-0 record and 5.06 ERA in 22 games with the Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants. Bergen had a 5.49 ERA in 19.2 innings with the Giants last season.

A seventh round pick by the Blue Jays in 2015 out of Kennesaw State, Bergen is equipped with a low-to-mid-90s fastball and curveball. He’ll rarely throw a changeup as a third pitch. His fastball does force swings and misses, but it doesn’t have an elite spin rate. Overall, time will tell if Bergen is added to the Diamondbacks’ bullpen this season or in the near future.

Humberto Mejiá- Age: 23 Position: Pitcher

The D-backs nabbed a pair of younger prospects from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Marte, one of them being right-hander Humberto Mejiá.

Mejiá, 23, was added to Miami’s 40-man roster this offseason after posting a 2.09 ERA in 90.1 innings with 89 strikeouts over two minor league levels in 2019. The right-hander hasn’t pitched above High-A in the minors, but he made three starts with the Marlins this season with a 5.40 ERA over 10 innings.

Mejiá joined the Marlins organization in 2013 after signing through the club’s international free agency program. He was ranked as Miami’s No. 23 prospect per MLB Pipeline to begin the 2020 season.

On the mound, Mejiá flashes an upper-70s curveball that has plenty of depth along with a low-90s fastball. His curveball was effective against lefties and righties in his MLB debut against the New York Mets.

Despite his lack of experience in the minor leagues, Mejiá was thrusted to the majors this season and flashed his potential. He may start this year and beyond in Arizona’s minor league system, but he can become a major league contributor if his progression continues.

Julio Frias- Age: 22 Position: Pitcher

Arizona grabbed another young pitcher from Miami in lefty Julio Frias. Frias has yet to pitch in a full-season league, posting a 5-4 record and 2.83 ERA over 70 innings with Class A Short-Season Batavia in 2019.

Frias made strides in single-season ball last season, but he hasn’t shown enough to pitch at an age-appropriate level. Since signing with the Marlins in 2014 out of the Dominican Republic, Frias has made 43 combined starts over two seasons in the rookie-level Domincan Summer League and Gulf Coast League.

It will obviously take more time to see what Frias is capable of, but he did post a 9.43 K/9 ratio last season. If and when MiLB returns next season, Frias could be playing for one of Arizona’s minor league affiliates.

Stuart Fairchild- Age: 24 Position: Outfielder

Outfield prospect Stuart Fairchild was one of the players Arizona acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for closer Archie Bradley. Fairchild played 109 games over two levels with High-A Daytona and Double-A Chattanooga last season.

A second round pick by the Reds in 2017 out of Wake Forest, Fairchild was ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 11 Reds prospect. He now ranks as the D-backs No. 14 prospect in their system.

Fairchild has a disciplined approach at the plate. He finished 2019 with a .352 on-base percentage and drew 44 walks to 83 strikeouts. At 6-foot, 200 pounds, he has yet to tap into much power, but hit a career-high 12 homers and 29 doubles last season.

MLB Pipeline grades Fairchild with average or above-average tools across the board. His 60-graded speed translated well to all three outfield spots, where he often gets a good jump on the ball with his quickness and instincts.

Fairchild flashed his all-around ability at the Arizona Fall League last season, hitting .353 with a .876 OPS and six RBIs in nine games. If Fairchild continues to improve at the plate, he can become a major league contributor with his plus-speed and knowledge of the game.

The Diamondbacks sold heavy during the deadline, and they continue to add to their farm system with pitching and outfield depth.