The Diamondbacks will now try to package shortstop Nick Ahmed and a pitching prospect in a trade for the Tigers' Rick Porcello, a National League official told Bob Nightengale of USA Today (on Twitter). Arizona acquired Ahmed in this morning's Justin Upton trade with the Braves.
Arizona has been known to have interest in the Tigers right-hander but prior to this trade it was reported that they were unlikely to land him. Detroit was seeking a shortstop in a deal for Porcello, so Ahmed could be the piece that facilitates a deal. The 24-year-old posted a 4.59 ERA with 5.5 K/9, 2.2 BB/9 and a 53.2% ground ball rate in 176 1/3 innings this past season.
The 22-year-old Ahmed played at Class A this past season and posted a .269/.337/.391 batting line in 571 plate appearances. Baseball America named him the best defensive infielder in Atlanta's minor league system. Ahmed was the Braves' second-round pick in the 2011 draft.
