**BREAKING HOT NEWS: Diamondbacks 2025 Player Projections – Isaac Paredes**
The Arizona Diamondbacks, fresh off a promising 2023 season that included a deep playoff run, are gearing up for 2025 with several key players expected to contribute to their ongoing success. One player whose development will be closely watched is Isaac Paredes, who has been with the Diamondbacks for a brief period but is primed for a significant role in 2025. Known for his versatility and offensive potential, Paredes is expected to be a key part of the team’s middle infield, offering both power and consistency.
**Background and Career Overview**
Isaac Paredes, 24, was acquired by the Diamondbacks in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2024 offseason. While the trade raised some eyebrows, many pundits saw Paredes as an undervalued asset with tremendous upside. He initially broke into the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers in 2020 before being traded to the Rays, where he spent the past several seasons showcasing his talent.
Over his career, Paredes has been an intriguing player. Primarily a third baseman, he also has experience at second base and shortstop, providing Arizona with plenty of defensive flexibility. Though his overall numbers have been inconsistent, Paredes has demonstrated flashes of brilliance—particularly in his power numbers, hitting 20+ home runs in multiple seasons, while maintaining an above-average on-base percentage.
The 2025 season will be pivotal for Paredes. The Diamondbacks have invested in his potential, and the organization expects him to develop into a core contributor on both sides of the ball.
**Offensive Projection for 2025**
At the plate, Isaac Paredes has the potential to be one of the Diamondbacks’ most dangerous hitters in 2025. Over the past few years, Paredes has developed into a power-hitting threat, belting home runs at a solid rate. In 2024, he posted a career-high 24 homers with the Rays, while his on-base percentage climbed to .340, a sign of his evolving plate discipline. For 2025, projections have Paredes hitting 25-30 home runs with an OPS between .780 and .800, which would slot him as one of Arizona’s middle-of-the-order power hitters.
Paredes’ offensive profile is built around his ability to hit for power while drawing walks. He has never been a high-average hitter—his career batting average sits in the .240-.250 range—but his ability to take pitches and work counts means he’ll get on base at a solid clip. The Diamondbacks will likely use Paredes in the heart of their lineup, where his ability to drive in runs will be critical. If Paredes can tap into the consistency he showed with Tampa Bay, his home run numbers could be even higher, especially in the hitter-friendly confines of Chase Field.
In terms of splits, Paredes has shown that he can be a dangerous hitter against both left-handed and right-handed pitching, though he has historically performed slightly better against right-handers. His platoon splits are something the Diamondbacks will likely monitor as they structure their lineup, but there’s little doubt Paredes will be a key contributor in the middle of the order, with the potential for some significant power numbers.
**Defensive Projection for 2025**
While Paredes is known for his bat, his glove has improved over the years. Although he began his career primarily as a third baseman, he’s evolved into a versatile infielder who can play second base and shortstop as well. This flexibility allows manager Torey Lovullo to get creative with the lineup, moving Paredes around the diamond to fit the needs of the team.
In 2025, the Diamondbacks will likely use Paredes primarily at second base, a position where he could offer solid defense with above-average range and a strong arm. He’s shown the ability to handle the hot corner and could shift back to third base if needed, but his defense at second has the potential to be an asset for the team, especially as the Diamondbacks focus on building a solid infield defense around their young core.
While Paredes’ defensive metrics have never been elite, he has steadily improved his overall fielding performance. His experience across the infield should help him adapt to any position, allowing the Diamondbacks to shuffle their players based on matchups, injuries, or off-days.
**2025 Role and Expectations**
Entering 2025, Paredes will be counted on to provide both offensive production and defensive stability. As a middle-of-the-order hitter, he will be expected to drive in runs and provide power in the lineup. His experience as a utility infielder will also be invaluable as the Diamondbacks aim to maintain a flexible roster throughout the season.
While his ceiling may not be as high as some of the other emerging stars in the Diamondbacks’ system, Paredes offers a level of consistency and versatility that the team sorely needs. With Arizona’s middle infield situation still in flux, Paredes’ ability to play multiple positions gives the team greater depth and lineup flexibility.
One of the key challenges for Paredes in 2025 will be to cut down on his strikeouts, which have been a recurring issue throughout his career. If he can make better contact and reduce his whiff rate, he could see a significant increase in his batting average and overall offensive output. Given his power, a more refined approach at the plate could propel him to a breakout season.
**Conclusion**
Isaac Paredes enters the 2025 season as a player with significant upside, both offensively and defensively. As a middle-of-the-order hitter, he offers the Diamondbacks both power and on-base ability, and his flexibility in the field provides the team with options for managing its infield. If Paredes can improve his contact rate and continue to be a consistent run producer, he could emerge as one of the key players in Arizona’s lineup, helping the Diamondbacks contend for a playoff spot.
With his combination of talent and potential, the 2025 season may be a breakout year for Isaac Paredes, and Diamondbacks fans will be keeping a close eye on his development as he looks to solidify his place in the team’s future.