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Diamondbacks blasted by ex-MLB GM for 'clunker' trade deadline amid lousy grade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are fighting to stay in the NL Wild Card this season, and had every reason to be trade deadline buyers.
That's exactly what this team was, adding Lars Nootbaar in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals at the deadline amid an outfield need. But that was it. The D-Backs didn't make another trade at the deadline.
After such a deadline, the D-Backs were put on blast by former MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic, for their "clunker" of a trade deadline. He gave them a lousy D+ grade as well, the worst graded buyer for this year's deadline.
Diamondbacks earn D+ as lowest-graded buyer of MLB trade deadline
"Arizona Diamondbacks. Grade: D+," Bowden writes. "The trade deadline was a clinker for Arizona, who has been fighting all year with the Padres for second place in the NL West and for a wild-card berth."
Bowden isn't a huge fan of Nootbaar, noting that, "I've always thought of more as a fourth outfielder than as an everyday player."
But that's not the only reason why the D-Backs received the worst grade of any buyer at this year's deadline. As the deadline came and went, Arizona didn't address two of its key needs.
With a major issue in the bullpen, Arizona didn't make any moves to upgrade the position. They also didn't upgrade their first base spot, which has been a problem all year.
MORE: Braves get unexpectedly weak grade from ESPN for Lane Thomas trade with Royals
They could've even landed a starting pitcher in what was shaping up to be quite the robust market. They reportedly tried acquiring Clay Holmes from the New York Mets, but the deal fell through once the Mets got hold of the medicals for a prospect in the deal.
After the deadline, the Diamondbacks still have a good team, and one that can win a postseason spot in the Wild Card. But, it's not just become a bit more challenging.
The Philadelphia Phillies added Luis Arraez and a few relievers, while the San Diego Padres acquired Casey Mize and Robbie Ray. Even the Pittsburgh Pirates upgraded their bullpen in a significant way.
Arizona's deadline didn't go to plan, as this D+ grade from Bowden, while harsh, is an accurate one considering their lone move was an addition of Nootbaar, who's a bit of a question mark on his own.
More MLB news:
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- Red Sox expected to trade Jarren Duran during offseason, not MLB trade deadline
- What did Mets get for Freddy Peralta? Rays send three prospects for 4.99 ERA SP
- Tigers receive lousy grade for Tarik Skubal trade to Dodgers from ESPN
- How Cubs inadvertently helped Dodgers trade for Tarik Skubal
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