Saturday, October 03

Welcome to the D-backs Beat Newsletter! I’m Steve Gilbert and I’ve been writing about the D-backs since 1998.

The Diamondbacks’ farm system has produced plenty of talent that has helped the team remain competitive in the postseason race the past three seasons, including outfielder Corbin Carroll and pitchers Ryne Nelson and Brandon Pfaadt. 

Between the 2025 Trade Deadline and this year's MLB Draft, the Diamondbacks have reloaded the system.  

General manager Mike Hazen was a reluctant seller at last year's Deadline, but in deals with the Mariners and Rangers, he was able to net lefties Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt and Brandyn Garcia, all of whom have helped the team this year. Others like Ashton Izzi and David Hagaman are pushing their way up. 

"Overall, I feel like the system is in a really good spot," farm director Chris Slivka said. "I think we've really built up some pitching depth over the last couple years between last year's Trade Deadline and then also last year's Draft, and you're starting to see some of those guys coupled with some of the younger Latin American players start to make their way up through the system. I think that each level has a healthy mix of starters and some interesting bullpen arms." 

While some systems are desperate for catchers, Arizona is in the envious position of having four in its Top 30, including this year's top pick Ryder Helfrick (No. 2), Carlos Virahonda (No. 5), Alberto Barriga (No. 16) and Ivan Luciano (No. 18).

"Our catching depth is in an unbelievable spot right now," Slivka said. "I think there's really high-end catching talent in the system. Then the middle infield depth there is pretty strong, too, between Demetrio Crisantes, Cristofer Torin, Jansel Luis, JD Dix, Kayson Cunningham, José Mejía. And from this year's Draft, Carson Kerce is somebody to really keep an eye on." 

The Diamondbacks' Top 30 received a fresh re-rank this week to account for Deadline departures, as well as some additions via the MLB Draft.  

Here’s a look at the Diamondbacks' top prospects:

1. Demetrio Crisantes, 2B (MLB No. 75) 

2. Ryder Helfrick, C

3. Kayson Cunningham, SS

4. David Hagaman, RHP

5. Carlos Virahonda, C

Complete Top 30 list »  

Biggest jump/fall 

Here are the players whose ranks changed the most from the preseason list: 

Jump: Alberto Barriga (Preseason: NR | Midseason: 16) – An outstanding defender behind the plate, Barriga continues to make strides in the box as well. The 21-year-old has done a nice job of managing his at-bats this year, and he is holding his own after moving from High-A Hillsboro to Double-A Amarillo. He has an outstanding arm behind the plate and continues to learn the nuances of the position. 

Fall: Cristian Mena, RHP (Preseason: 11 | Midseason: 27) – Injuries have held Mena back. Last year, a right shoulder strain kept him from pitching after June 6, and this year shoulder surgery has kept him on the shelf for the entire season. At 23 and already having some big league experience, Mena still has time to get healthy and get his career back on track. 

New to the list 

Here are the players added to the Top 30 from outside the organization: 

2 Ryder Helfrick, C (Pick No. 15 in 2026 Draft) 

6 Blake Bryant, RHP (Pick No. 31 in 2026 Draft)  

7 Carson Kerce, SS (Pick No. 53 in 2026 Draft)  

30 José Mejía, 2B/3B/OF (Acquired via trade from Orioles in 2026) 

Best tools 

Players are graded on a 20-80 scouting scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is plus and 70-80 is well above average. Players in parentheses have the same grade.  

Hit: 60 – Demetrio Crisantes 

Power: 55 – Ryder Helfrick (Manuel Pena) 

Run: 70 – Druw Jones (Slade Caldwell) 

Arm: 70 – Alberto Barriga 

Defense: 70 – Jones 

Fastball: 65 – Wellington Aracena 

Curveball: 60 – Cristian Mena 

Slider: 60 – Junior Ciprian (Blake Bryant, Brian Curley) 

Changeup: 50 – David Hagaman (Bryant) 

Control: 55 – Mitch Bratt

How they were built  

Draft: 14 | International: 9 | Trade: 7 

Breakdown by ETA  

2026: 4 | 2027: 7 | 2028: 10 | 2029: 7 | 2030: 2 

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