Didi Gregorius trade rumors: Diamondbacks shop SS for pitching

The Arizona Diamondbacks have decided to make Didi Gregorius, rather than Chris Owings, available on the trade market, a ESPN New York's Adam Rubin.

Previously, rumors presented the D-backs decision as an either-or situation, but it appears as though the they have decided to go with Owings at short.

Gregorius could still see considerable playing time in Arizona if the club is unable to find a suitable deal.

Arizona's rotation is pretty banged up at the moment. Patrick Corbin, the projected Opening Day starter, has a torn UCL in his pitching elbow. The injury is expected to require Tommy John surgery. Free agent signing Bronson Arroyo is also dealing with a bulging disc in his back, so they could be considering top prospect Archie Bradley at the major league level. However, starting him in the bigs would kickstart his service time, meaning he could hit arbitration a year sooner and potentially become a free agent in 2020 raher than 2021.

Gregorius, 24, hit .252/.333/.373 in 404 plate appearances. He wasn't spectacular in the field in 2013, but he projects as a slick shortstop. He should be able to bring back a decent arm in trade talks, but it will be hard for Arizona general manager Kevin Towers to land a topflight pitcher for him.

The Mets are, perhaps the most reasonable trade partner. They have hesitated to announce Ruben Tejada as their ironclad, go-to guy at shortstop. Their public criticism of Tejada has led to endless Stephen Drew rumors, but New York has given no indication that they intend to sign the free agent.

The Tigers are another potential fit, though they have hinted at sticking with internal options in the wake of Jose Iglesias' shin injuries.

The Yankees don't exactly have an heir apparent for their post-Jeter era, but they might set their sights a little higher than Gregorius.