Arizona Diamondbacks Infield Preview

The 2015 Arizona Diamondbacks’ infield is going to be a little less crowded this year. I’ll be previewing each infield position here.

Sep 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Tuffy Gosewisch (9) looks to the dugout against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Catcher: Tuffy Gosewisch

After the D-Backs traded long-time catcher Miguel Montero to the Chicago Cubs, there was a huge hole at the catcher position that Tuffy Gosewisch will look to fill. It looks like Gosewisch will begin this season as Arizona’s starting catcher.

That being said, it is only a matter of time before prospect Peter O’Brien comes up to the major leagues and takes over as the starter. Gosewisch isn’t exactly a long-term solution for Arizona, as he is already 31 years old.

First Base: Paul Goldschmidt

Well this isn’t a surprise. Goldschmidt will occupy first base. Goldschmidt will look to bounce back in 2015, as his season was shortened due to a hand injury. Before his injury, the All-Star first baseman was hitting .300 with 19 home runs and 69 RBI in 109 games.

Goldschmidt is the best player on this D-Backs roster and will be hitting in the middle of the batting order. Look for the MVP candidate to put up big numbers once again this season, with bats like Mark Trumbo and Yasmany Tomas hitting behind him.

Sep 22, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Aaron Hill (2) hits a single in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Second Base: Aaron Hill

Since 2011, Hill has manned second base and it doesn’t look like that will change this year. In 133 games last year, Hill hit just .244 with 10 home runs and 60 RBI. I, like many others, thought the D-Backs should have traded Hill at the trade deadline last season. Don’t be surprised if Hill is subject to these rumors again this year, especially if his numbers are above average.

The D-Backs will likely try to unload Hill at the Trade Deadline to try to get some prospects in return, as Hill is getting up there in age.

May 25, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Chris Owings (16) throws the ball during the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Shortstop: Chris Owings

The new Arizona front office has handed the reigns of the shortstop position to Owings. Early in the offseason, the D-Backs traded Didi Gregorious to the New York Yankees in exchange for minor league prospects. This paved the way for Owings to take over as the every-day starting shortstop going into the 2015 season.

Before getting injured, Owings was hitting .261 with six home runs and 26 RBI and showed that he could handle himself defensively at short. Look for Owings to be slated towards the top of the D-Backs batting order or even possibly towards the bottom, depending on where manager Chip Hale decides where he fits best at.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Third base: Yasmany Tomas

This offseason, Arizona signed the Cuban slugger to a six-year, $68.5 million contract. The question immediately after the signing was whether Tomas was going to play in the outfield or in the infield? It seems as though Tomas will give it a go at third base.

Tomas showed up to spring training a couple of weeks ago, before anyone else, and started to do some drills. The D-Backs front office and coaching staff have been thrilled at his progression at hot corner already. There is no question about Tomas’ bat; the only question was where he was going to play defensively?

For now, it seems that Tomas has found his home at third base.