The Arizona Diamondbacks outrighted first baseman Luken Baker to Triple-A Reno after designating him for assignment this past weekend. The move came when they needed to clear a roster spot for outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who’s returning from the injured list.
Baker can reject the assignment and become a free agent if he chooses.
The 29-year-old’s brief stint in Arizona didn’t go well – one hit and three strikeouts in five plate appearances. That’s pretty much the story of his big league career so far. Since debuting with St. Louis in 2023, he’s managed just four home runs in 194 total plate appearances between the Cardinals and D-Backs.
Here’s the thing though: Baker’s never gotten a real shot to show what he can do. His longest stint was 33 games, which isn’t nearly enough time for a hitter to find his rhythm.
The power’s definitely there. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, Baker’s got the frame to drive balls out of the park. He proved that in Triple-A, launching 32 or more homers in back-to-back seasons from 2023-24.
That’s the kind of production that usually gets noticed.
If Baker does hit free agency, don’t be suprised if another organization takes a flyer on him. Teams are always looking for power bats who can step in when injuries hit, and his Triple-A numbers suggest there’s untapped potential.
The way I see it, Baker’s caught in that tough spot where he’s too good for Triple-A but hasn’t had enough opportunities to prove he belongs in the majors. Sometimes all it takes is the right situation with a team willing to give him consistent at-bats.
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