Is there any way we can [trade away] the Zack Greinke deal this offseason, and what's the most that we'd get back for him? (Also, I've been working on some new stadium designs if you need inspiration for the new stadium.)
-- William J., Queen Creek, Ariz.
I know there's been a lot of talk about trading Greinke, but though it might be nice for the D-backs to get out from under the more than $100 million owed to the right-hander, it's not that easy, and I still expect him to be in an Arizona uniform on Opening Day. Greinke has a limited no-trade clause that includes 15 teams to which he cannot be traded unless he gives his approval. He seems happy in Arizona, so getting him to waive that clause might be more difficult.
In addition, given his success the past two seasons, the D-backs do not just want to give him away and not get something back in return, and they do not appear to want to eat part of the contract in order to move him. Add it all up, and my belief is they will hang onto him and re-evaluate where they are at the non-waiver Trade Deadline and entertain moving him at that point if it looks like they are going to enter more of a rebuilding phase.
As for the stadium design, hopefully you designed a nice press box for us!
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Are the D-backs looking for a full rebuild or was the Paul Goldschmidt trade something we had to do because he was leaving next year? Are the three prospects we got in return of any potential superstar value or more for the control over their contracts?
-- Dan H., Phoenix
They are not going to go for a full rebuild as of now, Dan. They'd like to be competitive while retooling at the same time. There's no question the D-backs are going to miss Goldschmidt, Patrick Corbin and likely A.J. Pollock, but they still feel there's a good core there so they're not looking to completely tear it down. Again, much like with a potential Greinke trade, they will see how things go next season. If they fall out of the race early, then they could wind up changing the strategy.
As for the prospects the D-backs got in return, the club feels all three can be quality Major League players. Carson Kelly helps them behind the plate, while Luke Weaver still has a bunch of upside and fits nicely in their rotation. Andy Young is an infielder they liked and he had a nice Arizona Fall League season this year.
Are the D-backs considering doing a possible deal involving Nick Ahmed and Robbie Ray?
-- Max, Gilbert, Ariz.
To move either one of those players, I think they would need to be blown away by a trade offer. Again, with the D-backs not looking to tear down and both of those players under club control for the next couple of seasons, they will likely hang on to both.
Is Jackie Bradley Jr. still on the D-backs' radar? If so, how much would we have to give up?
-- Logan, Nova Scotia, Canada
I don't see a way the D-backs and Red Sox match up tradewise, with Boston's main need being a closer. From what I could gather, there were not any significant talks between the two teams regarding it.