Former D-backs Gold Glove Shortstop Signs with Giants
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Nick Ahmed has found a team in 2024, as the former Diamondbacks infielder signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants. Ahmed was a key player and respected veteran in the D-backs clubhouse, leading by example with his hard work to improve himself as a player.
Originally acquired by the D-backs in 2013 as part of the Justin Upton trade, ultimately becoming the best player for Arizona in the deal. Debuting in 2014, he played 888 games for the D-backs, primarily at shortstop, accumulating 12.2 bWAR. Most of that came in a strong three-year run between 2018 and 2020, where he played in 368 out of 384 possible games and put up 10.0 WAR over that stretch. In the offseason, we named Ahmed as the top shortstop in franchise history at Inside the Diamondbacks.
At his peak he was arguably the game's best defensive shortstop, winning back-to-back Gold Glove Awards in 2018 and 2019. During those two seasons he was credited with 44 defensive runs saved and 52 outs above average, the best amongst all major league shortstops. The elite and smooth defense at one of the game's toughest positions earned him the nickname Slick Nick.
Ahmed signed a four-year extension with the D-backs in 2020, foregoing a trip in free agency for $32.5 million dollars. After a promising 2020 season, in which he put up a 97 OPS+ and 1.6 WAR in 57 games, injuries and age caught up to him as he was only able to play 217 games over the last three seasons. A shoulder injury affected his play in 2021 and wiped out his 2022 season, requiring surgery. Fully healthy in 2023 and playing in more of a platoon role, Ahmed struggled offensively with a .212/.257/.303 slash in 72 games and the team designated him for assignment on September 5th.
With Ahmed moving on to a new team, we wish him the best of luck with the Giants.
