General Manager Mike Hazen enters this week’s winter meetings with increased payroll flexibility and an apparent intention to use it, saying the Diamondbacks’ recent moves have created some financial wiggle room without sacrificing their big-picture outlook.
After trading infielder Jean Segura and cutting ties with catcher Welington Castillo and right-hander Rubby De La Rosa, the Diamondbacks saved around $16 million, some of which will go to newly acquired right-hander Taijuan Walker and catcher Jeff Mathis.
But Hazen intimated that the rest of the savings could help in shoring up a roster that’s clearly in need of bullpen help and, he believes, could stand to get more left-handed in the lineup.