CLIMBING HIGHER THIS WAY
Sox will give Fletcher a chance he wouldn’t have had in D-backs’ overloaded outfield
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Trades are part of the gig in the baseball industry. But when it happens, it always leaves a mark. Even when it may turn out to be the best thing.
That’s what the National League champion Diamondbacks handed to outfielder Dominic Fletcher by trading him to the White Sox on Feb. 3 in what’s potentially a significant break for his career.
That said, when general manager Chris Getz sent one of the Sox’ best pitching prospects, Cristian Mena, to Arizona in exchange for Fletcher, a left-handed-hitting, well-regarded fielder who might get more innings than anyone in right field, it came as a shock.
“Yeah, it came out of the blue,” acknowleged Fletcher, 26. “You don’t get a warning or anything. It’s part of the business.”
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen delivered the news over the phone.
“He said, ‘Hey, man, we traded you for a good arm — I think it will be a good opportunity for you over there,’” Fletcher said. “I honestly thanked him for the opportunity, and for being part of what is a great organization over there.”
So, how is it a good thing to be coming from a team that played in the World Series to one that has no shot of doing so, according to oddsmakers? Here’s how: The Diamondbacks’ outfield was already chock full with Corbin Carroll, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Alek Thomas, Jake McCarthy and Joc Pederson on the 40-man roster.
“A ton of talent over there, a ton of good outfielders, so being here is a better opportunity,” Fletcher said.
It would have been a tough group to crack, even after Fletcher batted .301/.350/.441 with two homers, 14 RBI and 10 runs scored in 28 games over two stints last season while providing center-field-quality defense.
While some players come to camp tweaking swings, approaches and mindsets, Fletcher, who bats and throws left, is sticking to what brought him here and not changing much.
“I feel like I had a good year last year, and I want to build on that,” he said.
At Triple-A Reno, he batted .291/.399/.500 with 10 homers, 18 doubles, five triples, 45 RBI and 71 runs scored before being put on the injured list Sept. 4 with a fractured left index finger.
“You look at the offensive profile and what he’s capable of doing, you weigh that with the defensive side as well, [and] he’s the complete
package,” Getz said.
Left-handed-hitting Zach DeLoach was also acquired in the offseason — another possible option in right field. Veteran Kevin Pillar, also with a history of fine and sometimes flashy defense, was signed as a nonroster invitee. Oscar Colas is trying to prove he can make an Opening Day roster for a second consecutive season, but after struggling last year, he seems destined to start at Triple-A Charlotte. Gavin Sheets has power potential but is better-suited for first base.
“I just want to compete for a job and earn a spot,” Fletcher said.
Recent waiver claim Peyton Burdick and non-roster invitees Brett Phillips, Rafael Ortega and Mark Peyton also are in camp. But Fletcher, who was in the Cactus League lineup in right field Monday — with regulars Andrew Benintendi and Luis Robert Jr. in left field and center, respectively — might stand above the pack.
“That's a good defensive trio,” Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. “We've got some good defensive outfielders in this camp. Obviously, Benny and Robert are everyday guys, and Fletcher is competing for a job. But he's a really good defensive player.”
With an open door to establish himself as a major-leaguer.
“You build relationships with people, and leaving that place is tough,” Fletcher said of the Diamondbacks. “Not so much the baseball side, but the friendships with coaches and players you've been with. You have to start over and make new friends and relationships. But this is a new opportunity and a change of scenery and being able to go somewhere, have an impact and help the team win.”