Arizona Diamondbacks Blaze Alexander’s booming rise has been quick. A versatile infielder with a powerful arm, Alexander has shown both defensive and offensive skills. Additionally, he has improved that defense since becoming the team’s primary third baseman.
Arizona Diamondbacks Blaze Alexander Booming Rise
Spring Training Injury
Early in spring training, Alexander suffered a right oblique strain. In April, he dealt with a hip issue while on rehab assignment. After overcoming both injuries, he was activated from the IL and, in June, was recalled to the big-league club.
Effective Utility Player
Last season, Alexander was an effective utility player. He started at three infield positions, shortstop, second base, and third base. The ability to adapt to those positions labels him a long-term “super-utility” player for the Diamondbacks. This season, he played second base and took over at third when the team traded away Eugenio Suarez. Filling in across the infield with his athleticism makes him a versatile option.
Builds Trust
There is considerable importance in a super-utility role. Having that title involves building trust with the team, coaches, and manager that the player can handle himself at any position. Having that familiarity with multiple positions has made Alexander that valuable commodity for this team. And, Manager Torey Lovullo has shown confidence in Alexander and not only with infield positions. This past Monday, the team even gave him his first career major league start in center field, showing their confidence in his defensive abilities. Alexander responded to the call with a diving catch.
Defensive Development
Alexander’s defensive capabilities were a question mark early on in his career. However, he has become a more polished infielder thanks to plenty of work on taking ground balls. His arm strength has become elite, but the most significant improvement has been his footwork. Playing second base this past Sunday, he stretched out to make an excellent defensive play.
Offensive Development
Offensively, Alexander has shown improved comfort and confidence at the plate. He was known for chasing pitches out of the strike zone, but has worked with hitting coach Joe Mather on being more selective. After an up and down rookie year in 2024, he has improved his hitting mechanics. This has led to more quality at-bats.
Power In August
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Blaze Alexander’s booming rise is also showcased in his power. In August, his bat came alive and he responded with a surge in his offensive production. He hit .255 with 26 hits. This translated into six doubles, 15 RBIs, seven home runs. One of those home runs came at Dodger Stadium, fulfilling an ambition Alexander mentioned he’s had of hitting a homer there.
Future Plans
Infielder Geraldo Perdomo signed an extension this year, as did second baseman Ketel Marte. Top prospect Jordan Lawlar is expected to get playing time at third base the last month of the season. This leaves the versatile Alexander’s getting playing time at multiple positions as the Diamondbacks evaluate players for the future. However, this gives Alexander to showcase his abilities both defensively as he plays various positions—now including the outfield—and offensively as he builds on his August numbers. At this point, his future looks bright and positive.
Main Photo Credits: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
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