SnakeBytes 3/3: WBC Exhibitions Begin Today
Diamondbacks News
The relationship between Netherlands manager Andruw Jones and Diamondbacks prospect Druw Jones is a lighthearted one, with the two joking back and forth about the prospect of playing together in the World Baseball Classic. Druw Jones confirmed this, stating that he was excited about the opportunity, but needed the team's approval.
This marks the first time in WBC history that a father-son, manager-player duo will be featured. Manager Torey Lovullo aims to improve the team's defense after a poor performance in 2025, with seven errors in 10 games so far this spring, which equates to 113 errors over a full season.
While the D-backs have strong defensive players like Carlos Santana and Nolan Arenado, the team has shown frequent lapses defensively. The team that offered a 3-year deal to Merrill Kelly, which he declined in favor of a 2-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, was revealed. Kelly cited tax reasons in California as a factor in his decision.
Around the League
Paul Goldschmidt, with 63.8 career WAR, is a strong contender for the Hall of Fame, despite potential challenges from voters due to his position as a first baseman. Goldschmidt has 372 home runs, which might not be enough for some voters, but he has also received an MVP Award and second-place finishes, which could contribute to his eventual induction.
Grichuk, who played for the Diamondbacks and Royals last season, had a strong performance with Arizona in 2024, but his performance slipped in Kansas City. Major League Baseball announced that the Spring Breakout series will be played as a tournament in 2027 and 2028, with a single-elimination format and two champions in each league.
