2023 MLB Draft: Arizona Diamondbacks add two infielders, Tommy Troy and Gino Groover

In a surprising move during the MLB draft on Sunday, the Arizona Diamondbacks made an intriguing choice by selecting Tommy Troy, a standout third baseman from Stanford University, as the 12th overall pick. Troy's impressive performance and rising stock in the baseball world made him a compelling prospect for the Diamondbacks.

Troy, a 5-foot-10, 197-pound infielder, garnered attention after an outstanding summer in 2022 when he was recognized as the best pro prospect in the highly competitive Cape Cod League. His stock continued to rise during his final collegiate season, where he demonstrated an uptick in power, hitting 17 home runs, which matched his combined total from his previous two seasons at Stanford. Despite primarily playing at third base in college, there is speculation that Troy's professional future may lie at second base due to his skill set and versatility. His ability to handle high-velocity pitches up in the strike zone has drawn praise, aligning well with the prevalent major league strategy of attacking hitters with high heat. The Diamondbacks' decision to select Troy was driven by his exceptional hitting ability, as evidenced by his remarkable slash line of .394/.478/.699 during his time at Stanford. Additionally, Troy's defensive capabilities add value to the team, with the arm strength to handle third base and the range to cover second base. With the Diamondbacks currently leading the NL West, they are determined to capitalize on their strong position and view Troy as a player who can make a swift impact. They hope he can provide a solution to the third base position, which has been a revolving door for the team in recent seasons. Additionally, the Diamondbacks take infielder Gino Groover from NC State with the No. 48 pick in the second round. Groover has proved to be a formidable offensive force, with an impressive hitting slash line of .332/.430/.546 and 13 home runs throughout his 57 games played. Groover earned himself a spot on the All-ACC third team during his last year of college ball. His ability to contribute effectively at multiple positions adds value to his overall profile. The Diamondbacks continue their commitment to building a competitive team for the future with these new pickups. Their remarkable talents and potential for rapid advancement to the major leagues will contribute to their ongoing success.