Diamondbacks Player Spotlight: SS Nick Ahmed
Nick Ahmed is a defensive wizard for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Although his bat doesn’t quite match his ability in the field, his glove keeps him in the lineup. Ahmed’s defense is the main reason he rose through the Diamondbacks’ minor league system and established himself as the every day starter at short stop in 2015.
More from Heat Waved
- Arizona Coyotes: Slumping Strome Shipped to Chicago
- Arizona Cardinals Paid Sam Bradford $6.75 Million Per TD Pass
- Former Arizona Basketball Star Allonzo Trier Remarkably Efficient Lately
- Arizona Coyotes: How Coach Rick Tocchet Sparked His Offense
- Arizona State Basketball Has Two Transfers Ready to Compete
Ahmed was acquired by the Diamondbacks in January of 2013 from the Braves in the trade that sent Justin Upton to Atlanta. Ahmed was a 2nd round pick in the 2011 MLB Draft by the Braves.
Through 56 games in 2015 Ahmed is slashing just .217/.297/.307 from the dish with 3 home runs and 12 RBIs. Eight of his 36 hits this year have gone for extra bases and he also adds 18 walks and a hit by pitch to his total. In his 55 times he’s reached base Ahmed has come around to score 20 runs although hitting in the number eight hole for the majority of the time.
His defensive stats are way more eye-popping and truly helps Diamondbacks fans understand why Ahmed keeps getting sent out there. Ahmed ranks first among short stops in the National League in Range Factor/9 innings with a score of 5.10.
Ahmed is just 25-years-old this year and has always been praised for his defensive abilities and the Diamondbacks faithful have been able to witness some of his wizardry up the middle so far this season. It will be something to look forward to and to come out to the ballpark to see for years to come potentially.