Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is one of the names being considered by the Phillies in their search for outside help, writes Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Gurriel’s right-handed bat could help Philadelphia’s quest for balance in the lineup, although Gurriel’s major league experience has come as a lefty, Brandon Marsh it will have to move to the right side if the trade happens.
This won’t be a perfect defensive result given Marsh’s weak throwing arm, but the more obvious problem for the Phillies (or Diamondbacks) in a possible trade for Gurriel is the veteran’s lack of offensive production. Gurriel entered today’s action hitting just .216/.265/.299 with two home runs over 181 plate appearances, with a 55 wRC+ that ranked seventh lowest of any player in baseball with at least 180 PA.
Gurriel tore his right ACL in early September 2025, but was able to make his 2026 season debut on April 18. The hamstring then put him back on the injured list for a little more than three weeks in May and June. While his struggles this season can be explained by these injuries, it’s worth noting that Gurriel also hit just .248/.295/.418 over 546 PA in 2025, which translates to a subpar 95 wRC+.
There is also the matter of Gurriel’s salary, as he is still owed about $5.5MM of his $13MM salary for the 2026 season. Another $5MM is attached to Gurriel’s services by way of a 2027 buyout of his $14MM club option, which right now looks like an easy pass for the D’Backs or another team that might be interested in acquiring Gurriel before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Even if Gurriel’s bat completely catches fire in the next few weeks, Arizona will have to eat up a large portion of that remaining cap space to accommodate the trade. In all likelihood, Gurriel won’t generate much trade interest and will probably stay around, though the D’Backs will be open to offers even if the team ends up being buyers at the deadline.
The Diamondbacks take a 48-47 record into today’s game with the Dodgers, and the Snakes are three games back of the final NL wild card slot. The Dodgers have put the NL West all but officially out of reach, so the wild card represents Arizona’s only path to the playoffs. This may limit how aggressive the D’Backs are with their deadline additions, though the organization is clearly looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2023. However, if the Diamondbacks struggle coming out of the offseason, they can shift gears and start looking to trade at least some upcoming free agents.
One player who (unsurprisingly) doesn’t seem to be available Ketel Marte. The second baseman acquired 10 and 5 rights in April and, as Nightengale writes, the D’Backs told any interested clubs that Marte does not plan to waive his no-trade protection to accept any move. The Rays moved in on Marte, according to Nightengale, as Tampa Bay continued its offseason interest in the outfielder’s services.
Marte was the subject of many trade rumors last winter, as this acquisition appears to follow reported discord within the Arizona clubhouse last summer. GM Mike Hazen has at least allowed other teams to submit other offers to Marte until January 9, when Hazen officially ends any trade talks involving the three-time All-Star.
Marte’s 110 wRC+ and .259/.314/.466 line (in 401 PA entering today) are below his normal levels, as the second baseman is still trying to shake off a seven-week season-opening slump. However, since mid-May, Marte has been hitting extremely well, and helping the Diamondbacks stay afloat in the playoff race.
Arizona’s chances of a second-half sweep will increase if some of their injured pitchers can return in good shape, too Corbin Burns it’s an x-factor in this sense. The ace underwent Tommy John surgery last June, and his expected return in late July or early August was in doubt when Burnes suffered from teres major in early June 2026.
Manager Torey Lovullo gave a positive update on Burnes’ condition Friday, telling Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic and other reporters that the right-hander has started throwing. No timeline was given for Lovullo because Burnes was still early in the build-up process, but assuming normal pitching progress and a possible minor league restart, Burnes could be on track to be started from the 60-day IL in early September.
