Chad Patrick’s transition from the Arizona Diamondbacks to significant success with the Milwaukee Brewers exemplifies the flaws in the 2023 trade strategies of the D-backs. Patrick’s journey highlights the importance of proper player development within Major League Baseball.
Chad Patrick’s Trade and Performance
In 2023, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded Chad Patrick to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for infielder Jace Peterson. That decision did not pay off for Arizona. Peterson struggled with a .157 batting average and a .469 OPS before being designated for assignment in April 2024, after just 55 games with the team.
Conversely, Patrick’s career took a different trajectory after leaving the D-backs. Following his brief time in Oakland’s minor league system, he was traded to the Brewers in exchange for Abraham Toro. Since then, Patrick has made a name for himself, particularly in the National League Division Series (NLDS).
Strong Performances in the NLDS
Patrick made significant contributions in the postseason, throwing scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs. In Game Two, he recorded two strikeouts and achieved a hitless, walkless inning. Then, he followed with an impressive 1.2 innings in Game Three, maintaining a flawless record while shutting down the Cubs during a tightly contested match.
Development and Success Metrics
While with the D-backs, Patrick only reached Double-A Amarillo, posting a 4.71 ERA over 19 starts. His performance dipped further in the Athletics’ organization with an ERA around 8.44 and 7.89 at Double- and Triple-A levels. However, everything changed upon joining the Brewers.
Under Milwaukee’s development program, Patrick transformed his game. In 2024 at the Triple-A level, he achieved an impressive 2.90 ERA over 136.1 innings. His success continued at the major league level in 2025, where he posted a 3.53 ERA with 127 strikeouts in 119.2 innings across 27 appearances, including 23 starts.
Implications for the Diamondbacks
This situation underscores the need for the D-backs to improve their pitching development system. Historical performance has shown that their minor league arms have struggled, with standout players like Justin Martinez and Ryne Nelson not being able to mask broader development issues.
Fortunately, Arizona has strategically replenished their minor league system with a draft focused on pitchers and aggressive trades at the 2025 deadline. The organization now boasts an array of promising young arms ready to ascend the ranks.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Period for the Diamondbacks
The recent successes of players like Chad Patrick serve as a stark reminder of what effective player development can achieve. The Diamondbacks must leverage their investment in young talent over the coming years to build a solid foundation of pitching depth, a goal that has historically eluded them.
