The Diamondbacks are positioning themselves as potential buyers heading toward the 2026 trade deadline, and they’re already showing up on wish lists for some big-name targets.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel dropped their latest trade deadline rankings Wednesday, and Arizona keeps appearing as a “best fit” for several impact players who could be moved this summer.
At 37-36, the D-backs sit 9.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. That’s not exactly where you’d want to be, but it’s apparently close enough for evaluators to think they’ll be aggressive at the deadline.
Torres Could Spark NL West Bidding War
Here’s where it gets interesting: Gleyber Torres has both Arizona and Los Angeles listed among his top landing spots. That sets up a potential bidding war between division rivals.
The three-time All-Star signed with Detroit after his Yankees tenure ended, but if the Tigers decide to sell – and they probably will if they move Tarik Skubal – Torres becomes a prime trade candidate.
Torres has transformed his approach this season, reinventing himself as a leadoff-type hitter who prioritizes getting on base. The Diamondbacks could definitely use that skill set, assuming they can outbid their division rivals.
“Torres has reinvented himself as an ideal leadoff type, prioritizing on-base percentage and consistent contact,” Passan and McDaniel write. “He is a perfectly serviceable second baseman defensively, and for on-base-starved teams, he is a reasonable antidote.”
The Contract Situation
Torres is making $22 million this season, which creates some complications for Detroit but might actually help acquiring teams. That salary could limit the bidding pool and keep prospect costs down.
“His $22 million contract does the Tigers no favors, but if that’s the price for a contract to get someone who reaches 40% of the time, it’s worth it — even if a team’s strength at second relegates Torres to DH duty,” the ESPN analysts note.
The market for Torres seems relatively contained compared to other deadline targets. Only four teams get mentioned as potential fits in the ESPN piece, which should prevent the bidding from getting out of control.
That’s good news for Arizona, especially when you consider their competition.
Can Arizona Compete With LA’s Resources?
Let’s be honest – the Dodgers usually get their guy when they really want him. They’ve got the prospect depth and payroll flexibility to win most bidding wars.
But the Diamondbacks showed last year they’re not afraid to be aggressive when they see an opportunity. They made moves that helped them reach the World Series, and that same mentality could serve them well if Torres becomes available.
The key question is whether Arizona views themselves as genuine contenders or if they’re still a year away. At .500 with nearly half the season left, there’s definitely time to make a run.
Torres would give them a proven veteran who’s found his niche as a table-setter. For a team that’s struggled to get consistent production from the top of their lineup, that’s exactly what they need.
