The Diamondbacks have climbed their way to the top of the National League West Division with their latest six game win streak. The NL West might be the most competitive division in the major leagues this season. The Rockies hold a one game lead over the Diamondbacks and Dodgers. The Dodgers are a sure fire bet to make an acquisition to bolster their team.
The Diamondbacks will need to add an asset to compete the rest of the way, and that will be a pitcher. The Diamondbacks will have a tough time making a trade for a premier player on the market due to the fact that Arizona does not have a single player in MLB's Top 100 Prospects, but could make a run at these lower tier players.
Derek Holland
The Diamondbacks have four starters that have earned run averages of 3.32 or lower. The team's fifth starter in Patrick Corbin holds an ERA of 5.19. The White Sox are not going to get a lot for Holland in return which would be great for the Diamondbacks since they do not have a lot to give.
Holland has a stat line of 5-6, 73.2 innings, and an ERA of 3.79. Holland also brings postseason experience dating back to his playing days with the Texas Rangers. If the Diamondbacks make the postseason, Holland could slide into the long relief role if the starting rotation stays strong.
Ian Kennedy
Kennedy would also be a candidate at the team's number five starter. In terms of numbers, Kennedy doesn't look like a huge upgrade over Corbin.
Kennedy has a 1-6 record with a 5.03 earned run average. Don't forget that Kennedy has ties to Arizona. The Diamondbacks were the team that he went 21-4 with a 2.88 ERA in 2011 with. It's been a long time since those days, but Kennedy is still capable of being a starter with a ERA under four.
Kennedy would not cost the Diamondbacks a lot either.
He is likely to opt out of his contract at the end of the season. He would be pitching for a contender as well. Maybe a change in scenery would benefit all parties.
Arodys Vizcaino
The Diamondbacks and Braves have history in making deals together. Remember the disastrous trade for Shelby Miller that sent then top prospect Dansby Swanson?
Vizcaino could help make a top bullpen even better. The Diamondbacks already have Archie Bradley, T.J. McFarland, and Andrew Chafin with ERAs under 2.00.
The closer position is more shaky as Fernando Rodney has an ERA at 4.92, and has given up 16 runs in 25 innings. Rodney does have 19 saves out of 22 chances, but his performance will not cut it in the postseason. Vizcaino could provide another shutdown arm with the potential to close.
