What is your opinion on the D-backs re-signing Eduardo Escobar to a three-year deal?
-- Matt H., Phoenix
The consensus around the game, Matt, was that it was a great deal for the D-backs at a total cost of $21 million, and I certainly agree. Escobar brings a lot of versatility to the table by being able to play third and second. Rather than cut off future options this offseason, his signing actually keeps all their paths open. A lot of people said Escobar could have made a lot more money had he waited and been open to signing with other teams, but give him credit: He liked his time in Arizona, felt comfortable here and did not want to leave. That's also a tribute to the D-backs organization for making him feel welcome. That still goes a long way.
:: Submit a question to the D-backs Inbox ::
Quick question about the offseason: If trading Paul Goldschmidt is the route the organization decides to take, what should we expect (or hope to expect) in return from whomever decides to trade for him? Obviously, I'd miss Paul Goldschmidt immensely, but if an amazing package is included in return for him, then it would bring me solace as a fan knowing that the team should be right on track in the coming seasons.
-- Ryan, Andover, N.J.
That's a great question, Ryan, and it's something I'm sure the D-backs front office will try to figure out here in the coming weeks -- how does the rest of baseball value one year of Paul Goldschmidt? Obviously if he had more years of control, he would generate more of a return. The D-backs are in a good spot because they certainly don't have to trade him. In fact, they probably would rather not deal him. So if someone were to offer a few top quality prospects for him, maybe they would consider it. But if the return is not, as you put it, "amazing," my guess is they would hold on to him.
What are the chances that either Patrick Corbin or A.J. Pollock take the qualifying offers and come back next year?
-- Nick R., Phoenix
I really don't see a scenario where Corbin would accept the qualifying offer. Especially with Clayton Kershaw going back to the Dodgers, Corbin is now the best pitcher on the free-agent market and will no doubt have plenty of suitors and sign a megadeal. With Pollock, I'm a little less certain. I say that only because after missing time with the avulsion fracture of his left thumb, he was not able to find the consistency at the plate that he's shown in the past. It's possible he could decide he would like to take the qualifying offer, come back to Arizona for one year figuring he will be healthy -- and when healthy he showed himself in 2015 to be one of the top players in the game -- and then sign an even bigger free-agent deal next offseason.
If the D-backs don't reach a pact with Jeff Mathis, do you take that as an indicator Zack Greinke is on the move? And if Greinke gets traded, would you expect them to re-sign Mathis?
-- Tyler, Phoenix
I think regardless of whether Greinke is dealt, the D-backs will try to bring Mathis back. Yes, there was a lot made of the fact that Mathis caught Greinke and the two had a great rapport. However, that was not the only reason the organization valued Mathis. Keep in mind when Corbin and Robbie Ray had some struggles, manager Torey Lovullo would pair them up with Mathis to snap them out of it. They love his ability to call a game and work with the pitching staff.