Goldy, Pollock anchor D-backs' projected lineup

Offense has plenty of firepower even with Martinez's expected departure

January 6th, 2018

PHOENIX -- Unless something changes drastically over the next month before the D-backs report to Salt River Fields for Spring Training, they will be without a big piece of their offense from 2017, as free-agent outfielder J.D. Martinez is expected to sign elsewhere.
So far this offseason, most of the work the D-backs have done has been on the pitching side of things as they try to bolster their bullpen, but general manager Mike Hazen is hoping to add some depth to the outfield and behind the plate.
MLB.com is taking a look at the projected lineup of all 30 teams ahead of Spring Training. Here's how the D-backs might stack up:
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
, LF
A.J. Pollock, CF
, 1B
, 3B
, 2B
, RF
, SS
Jeff Mathis, C 
STRENGTH
The D-backs can flat out mash. While replacing Martinez will be no small feat, this team was 13 games above .500 when he arrived last year. Hitting home runs will not be a problem either, with power up and down the lineup. Goldschmidt had a very atypical September last year, but he can once again be counted on to set the tone. Pollock, who is in his walk year, had a nice season in 2017, but he still has the potential to play at the level that made him an All-Star and one of the best all-around players in the game in '15.  

QUESTION MARK
The D-backs did not get a lot of offensive production out of the catching position last year, and that figures to continue in 2018, especially since the best hitter of their three-man backstop platoon -- Chris Iannetta -- departed via free agency. This is not a huge concern to the front office, though, which prioritizes defense at the position.  
WHAT MIGHT CHANGE
Hazen has said he does not believe the D-backs are done dealing, and with Martinez's expected departure and Tomas having missed most of 2017 due to injury, they are looking at adding to the outfield.
Arizona has a surplus of middle infielders and could look to deal one to fill other needs. The name that seems to come up most is Drury, who is probably a better third baseman than second baseman and is attractive to teams because he is a pre-arbitration player who has shown he can hit in the big leagues.

If Drury or another infielder is not moved, the D-backs will have some serious sorting out to do during Spring Training. Chris Owings could wind up filling a super-utility role playing both in the infield and outfield while Nick Ahmed's defense at short makes him a tempting option there, though Marte's performance last year down the stretch certainly impressed the coaching staff.
The D-backs have Mathis, Chris Herrmann and John Ryan Murphy as catchers on their 40-man roster, and while they continue to maintain they are comfortable with that trio, they could also look to add another option or two before the start of the season.