Diamondbacks Pursuing Ramón Laureano to Fortify Their Lineup
The Arizona Diamondbacks are actively eyeing veteran outfielder Ramón Laureano as a potential addition to bolster their lineup for the upcoming season. Laureano, a seasoned right-handed slugger, could provide the offensive punch and defensive prowess that the Diamondbacks seek as they strive to enhance their roster.
Ramón Laureano: A Seasoned Outfielder
At 30 years old and entering his 8th MLB season, Ramón Laureano has established himself as a reliable player in the league. While predominantly associated with the Oakland Athletics, Laureano has recently navigated through multiple team transitions, showcasing his adaptability and skill set across various organizations.
After encountering struggles in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Laureano orchestrated a remarkable comeback performance in 2024, notably excelling with the Atlanta Braves. His offensive resurgence, highlighted by an impressive 128 OPS+, positions him as a valuable asset for teams seeking a potent right-handed presence in their lineup.
Strengths of Ramón Laureano
Laureano’s proficiency in handling left-handed pitching presents a significant advantage for any team. His exceptional performance against lefties in 2024, evidenced by a 142 sOPS+ and a notable .869 OPS, underscores his ability to deliver when facing southpaw pitchers. A move to the Diamondbacks could afford Laureano more opportunities to capitalize on his proficiency against left-handers, potentially yielding even more impressive results.
Moreover, Laureano’s defensive capabilities, particularly his exceptional throwing arm, set him apart from other players. Unlike some right-handed options primarily designated as designated hitters, Laureano’s background as a corner outfielder brings a valuable defensive asset to the Diamondbacks. His superior arm strength, ranking in the 89th percentile in 2024, and outstanding arm value at the 100th percentile position him as a defensive standout, filling a crucial gap in the team’s outfield lineup.
Areas for Improvement
While Laureano excels in certain aspects, his overall defensive performance falls short of elite standards. Despite his remarkable arm strength, Laureano’s outfield range, rated at the 8th percentile, and -6 Outs Above Average in the previous season reveal room for enhancement in his defensive capabilities. This aspect, coupled with the Diamondbacks’ emphasis on defensive prowess, raises concerns about his fit within the team’s defensive strategy.
Additionally, Laureano’s declining walk rate and plate discipline present potential challenges. His reduced walk rate and elevated strikeout percentage in 2024, deviating from his career averages, suggest a need for improved consistency in his offensive approach. While the Diamondbacks possess offensive depth to absorb fluctuations in Laureano’s performance, his age and reliance on batting productivity warrant a cautious evaluation of his long-term effectiveness.
Final Considerations
In evaluating Ramón Laureano as a prospective addition, the Diamondbacks weigh his offensive prowess, defensive strengths, and areas for improvement. His status as one of the few remaining right-handed sluggers in the free-agent market positions him as a valuable candidate to enhance the team’s lineup following Randal Grichuk’s departure. The infusion of Laureano’s elite arm into the outfield mix brings a much-needed defensive boost, although concerns persist regarding his overall defensive capabilities. Balancing his offensive contributions with defensive considerations, the Diamondbacks must carefully assess Laureano’s fit within their roster dynamics as they strategize for the upcoming season.