The Arizona Diamondbacks have many holes to fill this offseason, mainly in the pitching department.
But they also need a right-handed outfielder with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the shelf due to an ACL tear suffered in September. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo reported that the Diamondbacks, among other teams, are looking for an upgrade at center field.
One impact player that Rosenthal connected to the Diamondbacks is Houston Astros center fielder Jake Meyers.
“Few quality center fielders are available in either free agency or trade, triggering interest in players who might be pried loose from other clubs,” Rosenthal and Woo wrote on December 1. “The Houston Astros’ Jake Meyers, coming off a modest offensive breakout last season, is one such player.”
What Does Jake Meyers Bring to the Table?
Meyers is coming off a solid season with Houston, batting for a career-high .292 average in 104 games, and missed the rest of the season with a calf injury. While not a power hitter, hitting just three home runs in 2025, Meyers brings excellent defense and a strong arm to the equation.
According to Baseball Savant, Meyers had +9 Outs Above Average, which ranked in the 96th percentile among MLB players in 2025. While he does not barrel pitches, which explains the low power numbers throughout his career, his chase and whiff rates are above average.
If Meyers comes into the fold in Arizona, he will more than likely be the opening day center fielder for the Diamondbacks.
If this happens, the Diamondbacks may have a tough decision to make with their current crop of outfielders.
Expendable outfield options
Left-handed outfielders Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy have been mainstays in Arizona’s lineup since 2022.
McCarthy finished fourth in rookie of the year voting that year, but has had an up-and-down career since. Thomas has had a consistent bat, but not a strong one, as he is known for his glove more than his bat.
Thomas is also well-known for his postseason heroics during the Diamondbacks’ World Series run back in 2023, hitting four home runs during that stretch, and playing solid defense throughout.
If Meyers is acquired, one of these left-handed outfielders will likely be moved. But is this move realistic for the Diamondbacks? The Athletic reported that the price to get Meyers from Houston may be high for opposing teams.
“The Astros are open to moving him for a controllable major-league starter, according to people briefed on their discussions,” Rosenthal and Woo wrote. “And the interest in Meyers entering his age-30 campaign is considerable, other clubs say.”
With the Diamondbacks needing drastic changes to their pitching staff after a disastrous season that saw their pitching finish near the bottom in every major category, this may not be a realistic move. Starters Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson should be considered nearly untouchable with the lack of rotation depth Arizona currently has. However, their other young arms would likely not be enough to pry away Meyers.
If Arizona wants to take a gamble on Meyers coming off a breakout season, they may have to sacrifice more than they are willing to.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Diamondbacks Linked to Astros Center Fielder: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.