Which D-backs Non Roster Invitees are Excelling in Spring?

Whether they make the roster or not, there have been some notable performances so far

Each year teams across MLB invite "Non Roster"  players to spring training.  These NRI players are typically a mix of veterans who might already have major league experience, as well as minor league prospects that have not yet been added to the 40-man roster.  The Diamondbacks originally released a list of 28 NRI players, and initial rosters handed out in spring training actually had 70 players listed.  In February we highlighted some of the prospects and relievers. Here is a summary of some of the better performers from among these groups.  A couple have a good chance to make the opening day roster, and the others have made good impressions in front of Torey Lovullo and the front office.

Brandon Pfaadt: 4 G, 12 IP, 3.75 ERA, 8H, 5ER, 4BB, 15K

Pfaadt has been in a four way competition for the 5th rotation spot. While the team has yet to name the victor in this competition, Pfaadt's performance numbers have clearly stood apart. Last year's late season call ups Drey Jameson (7.45 ERA), Ryne Nelson (8.38 ERA), and Tommy Henry (7.71 ERA) have been much less consistent.  The competition isn't over yet however, as Nelson was good in his last start, Jameson was hitting 100 MPH in a AAA start earlier this week, and Henry, who pitches today, looked good in his most recent outing. 

Jeurys Familia: 6 G, 5.2 IP, 1.59 ERA, 2H, 1 ER, 0BB, 4K

The veteran reliever Familia is likely the biggest beneficiary of the injuries to Mark Melancon and Corbin Martin. He has pitched well in his six outings. Most importantly perhaps he hasn't walked a batter. His velocity is down to about 94-95, well off his heyday of 97-98 when with the Mets. But with his prior closing experience and spring performance this year it seems highly likely he will make the opening day bullpen roster.  If he does, he'll be paid $1.5 million plus incentives. Whereas previously adding Familia would have required a roster player be exposed to waivers, once Melancon and Martin are placed on the 60 day Injured List, that opens up the roster space to add Familia

Yairo Munoz: 13G, 8-23, .348 Avg, 1 Triple, 2 BB, 0 K

Munoz is in competition for a utility role on the team. He's played 2B, 3B, Lf & RF this spring.  Munoz was  originally late to camp due to visa issues, but once he arrived he made an impression. Unfortunately he suffered a calf strain in yesterday's game and is being evaluated. Should that require down time he'll likely start the year with Triple-A Reno, but could be in line for a call up in the event of future injury or need at the big league level.

Buddy Kennedy: 16G, 14-33, .412/513/.606, 2 DB, 2TP, 4 RBI,  5BB, 7K

Nobody on the team has more hits or a higher OPS than Kennedy, NRI or otherwise.  Kennedy has taken advantage of the absence of Ketel Marte due to the latter's participation in the WBC, as well as down time for Josh Rojas and Geraldo Perdomo.  Kennedy was called up last year and appeared in 30 games, hitting .217/.287/.325. He was put on waivers after the season to make room on the roster and cleared however.  Still just 24 years old Kennedy has a history of improving when he gets a second crack at a level he previously struggled at.  Don't be surprised to see him back on the big league roster at some point in the season. 

Honorable Mentions: 

None of these players will make the opening day roster but their spring performances may have caught the attention of the coaching staff and front office

Dominic Canzone:  7-27,  .259/.310/.519, .829 OPS,  4 DB, 1 HR.

Canzone, who was exposed to the rule five draft but not taken, impressed in spring with his power and ability to hit left hand pitching. While he was optioned out to Reno and there is a glut of left hand hitting outfielders in the organization, Canzone is major league ready to hit. 

P.J. Higgins: 16G, 10-31, .310 2 DB, 2 HR. 

The 30 year old Higgins has caught in five games and played first base and DH, hitting with power this spring. He had 6 homers and a 95 OPS+ in 229 PA for the Cubs last year, so he is showing some emerging pop that was previously not there in his prior stat lines. 

Bryce Jarvis:  2G, 4 IP, 4H, 1 R, 0BB, 3K

Jarvis was optioned out fairly early in camp as he was never a contender for a roster spot in the first place and innings become scarcer as spring moves on. But he impressed in both his bullpen sessions and his two brief outings, flashing high 90's velocity with command and sharp breaking stuff.  Jarvis struggled last year and a good season in 2023 is imperative if he wants to get back on track as a starting pitching prospect with the Diamondbacks. 

Peter Soloman (4 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, 1 BB, 5K)  and Zach McAllister (6.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1BB, 6K) have both had pretty solid camps and could be seen later in the year should they stay in the organization.