Diamondbacks Bolster Infield Depth, Sign Power Hitter Luken Baker to Minor League Deal

The Arizona Diamondbacks have added a new bat to their organizational depth. According to a report from Just Baseball, the team has signed first baseman Luken Baker to a minor league contract. The deal was reported on social media and is expected to include an invitation to major league spring training.This move addresses a need for corner infield options. Baker, 28, provides right-handed power potential as the D-backs evaluate their first base situation for the coming season.

Baker Brings Proven Minor League Power to Arizona

Luken Baker was originally a draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals. He has spent parts of the last three seasons in the major leagues. His big-league performance, however, has been limited.Over 73 MLB games, he batted just .209 with four home runs. His minor league record tells a very different story. Baker has been a consistent power threat throughout his eight-year minor league career.He owns 144 career minor league homers. This includes back-to-back 30-homer seasons in 2023 and 2024. Baker was claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers last August but did not reach the majors with them.He posted a strong .903 OPS for their Triple-A affiliate. The Dodgers recently designated him for assignment, making him a free agent.

Where Baker Fits in the Diamondbacks’ Plans

The signing is primarily a depth move for Arizona. The team’s first base picture for next season remains unclear. Incumbent options include Pavin Smith and the injured Tyler Locklear.Locklear is recovering from major offseason shoulder and elbow surgery. This creates uncertainty at the position. Baker will compete for a potential bench role as a right-handed power bat.He could serve as an option at first base or designated hitter. His most likely destination to start the year is Triple-A Reno. There, he will provide experienced power depth should the major league club need help.The Diamondbacks have been relatively quiet in adding to their lineup this offseason. Many of their future moves may depend on the outcome of trade talks involving star Ketel Marte. For now, adding minor league depth like Baker is a logical, low-risk step.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks sign Luken Baker to add a proven power hitter to their organizational depth chart, providing insurance and competition for a first base group facing questions.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Luken Baker?

Luken Baker is a 28-year-old first baseman and designated hitter. He was a third-round draft pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018 and has spent parts of three seasons in the major leagues.

What are Baker’s career stats?

In 73 MLB games, he has a .209 batting average with four homers. In the minors, he has hit 144 home runs with an .830 OPS over eight seasons, including two straight 30-homer campaigns.

What does this mean for the D-backs’ first base job?

Baker is not expected to be the primary starter. He will provide right-handed power depth and compete for a bench role behind options like Pavin Smith and the recovering Tyler Locklear.

Was Baker with another team recently?

Yes. The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed him off waivers from St. Louis in August 2025. He played well at Triple-A for them before being designated for assignment and becoming a free agent.

Why did the Diamondbacks make this move?

It is a low-cost, minor league deal to add proven power depth. With injury concerns and performance questions at first base, Baker offers an experienced option for competition and insurance.

Trusted Sources: Just Baseball, MLB.com.