Desperate for an upgrade at the middle infield positions, the Arizona Diamondbacks appear to have found their man.
Shortstop Jean Segura was acquired by the D-Backs along with minor-league pitcher Tyler Wagner from the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday in exchange for second baseman Aaron Hill, righthander Chase Anderson, and shortstop prospect Isan Diaz, per Keith Law of ESPN.
Jean Segura and Tyler Wagner to @dbacks; Chase Anderson, Aaron Hill, Isan Diaz to @Brewers
— keithlaw (@keithlaw) January 30, 2016
Segura is a bit of a reclamation project, having batted .257/.281/.336 with with six home runs and 50 RBIs in 2015. But he’s one of the better defenders at short (despite an anomalously bad year with the glove last season), a stellar contact hitter, and possesses 30+ stolen base upside. Segura showcased glimpses of all of these attributes in his breakout rookie season in 2013. He also has experience at second base and could help plug a lot of holes for Arizona next year.
The Diamondbacks were said to be trying to trade the 34-year-old Hill earlier this week, and now he goes to a situation in Milwaukee where he can provide seasoned leadership to a young, rebuilding roster. The departure of Segura at short also opens up a spot for exciting youngster Orlando Arcia further down the road as the Brewers appear to be fully committed to the future.
The farm system of Arizona, meanwhile, gets even more desolate with this trade, especially since they had to forfeit a draft pick as compensation for signing Zack Greinke. But general manager Dave Stewart appears to be moving into win-now mode, and if Segura pans out, he could go a long way towards helping them achieve that goal.
Image Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
H/T Rotoworld
