D-backs: Pollock 'almost untouchable' in trade
Arizona could soon begin extension talks with Gold Glove Award-winning CF
PHOENIX -- The D-backs have not entered into discussions with outfielder A.J. Pollock on a contract extension, but it sounds like it is only a matter of time before they do.
"Not yet, but we've had internal conversations about that," D-backs team president/CEO Derrick Hall said when asked about an extension for Pollock at the team's unveiling of its new uniforms. "It makes sense, obviously, with who he is, what he means to this team, where he is right now service-time wise. To have that conversation soon makes a lot of sense."
Pollock, who finished fourth among National League position players in Wins Above Replacement last year (7.4) after compiling a slash line of .315/.367/.498, is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time this offseason.
Video: HOU@ARI: Pollock drills his 20th homer of the season
Last year, in addition to being selected to the All-Star Game on the players' ballot, he also captured his first Gold Glove Award.
Pollock, who modeled one of the team's new uniforms Thursday night, said his agent has had a "little" informal dialogue with D-backs GM Dave Stewart. However, Pollock is staying focused on his offseason workout program and not contract issues.
Video: D-backs unveil new uniforms for 2016 season
Pollock's name has come up in trade rumors recently, with the Braves among the teams that have inquired about him.
"I think it's safe to categorize [him] as almost untouchable," Hall said of Pollock. "It's clear that every team knows [first baseman Paul Goldschmidt] is off limits, and it's almost time to send a message that A.J. is off limits, because he's the first name that comes up -- and understandably.
"He had a career year, and we feel that's the kind of player that he is. [After an] All-Star season with the numbers that he put up, it's no surprise that he's the first name that comes up really in every conversation we have. It was like Goldy [was] two or three years ago."
Pollock has heard the trade rumors, but he made no bones about the fact that he wants to remain with the team that drafted him in the first round (17th overall) back in 2009.
"I love the D-backs," Pollock said. "You hear trade stuff, and for me, I feel like I know what we're building towards, and I really want to be a part of it. I love the teammates I have here, I love the coaches, I love the front office."