Diamondbacks’ Tyler Locklear to Undergo Surgery for Multiple Injuries

This offseason threw a curveball at the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tyler Locklear, a promising young first baseman, now faces surgeries on both his shoulder and elbow.

The 24-year-old’s 2024 campaign ended abruptly after a collision at first base. With his rehab stretching into 2025, the D-backs have a tricky hole to fill and some real uncertainty clouding their infield plans.

Locklear’s Season Cut Short

Locklear got hurt on September 8 during what should have been a routine defensive play. Third baseman Jordan Lawlar’s throw pulled him into Boston’s Connor Wong, and the collision did real damage.

He tore up both his shoulder and elbow and needs surgery on each. The team can’t say exactly when he’ll be back, but they’re hoping for some point in 2025.

Trade Deadline Acquisition

Arizona landed Locklear in a midseason deal with Seattle that sent veteran Eugenio Suárez to the Mariners. The D-backs also picked up relievers Juan Burgos and Hunter Cranton in the trade.

Locklear wasted no time climbing into Arizona’s top-10 prospects thanks to his minor league track record and the hope he could lock down first base long-term.

Performance Before the Injury

Locklear’s bat didn’t exactly catch fire in Arizona, but he flashed some power. He hit .175 with a .529 OPS in 31 games and 116 plate appearances.

Still, he managed three home runs, hinting at the raw strength that made him so intriguing in the first place.

Impact on the Diamondbacks’ Lineup

Locklear’s absence left Arizona scrambling at first base down the stretch. Pavin Smith was also out, so the team tried platooning Tim Tawa and Ildemaro Vargas to fill the gap.

Both chipped in defensively, but neither brought the kind of offense Arizona wanted from the position. The depth just wasn’t there, and it showed.

Arizona’s Offseason Priorities

The Diamondbacks seem more focused on pitching than first base this offseason. They’re still dealing with injuries to several key arms, including:

• Corbin Burnes – an ace whose absence really hurts the rotation
• Justin Martinez – a bullpen piece who’s out until 2026
• A.J. Puk – a lefty with a big fastball, still working back from arm issues

On offense, they’ve got their eye on Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who’s working through his own injury problems that could drag into 2026.

Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Plans

The front office has to juggle patching holes at first base and on the mound with the return dates for their injured players. While Locklear rehabs, Arizona might look at trades or free agents to shore up the infield for 2024.

It’s a tough balance—fix things now without messing up the future.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

If Locklear comes back healthy in 2025, he could become a key piece for the D-backs for years. He’s got the glove for first and the pop to hit 20-plus homers—definitely worth waiting for, at least in theory.

But two surgeries, one on the shoulder and one on the elbow? That’s a tough road, and setbacks happen. Arizona needs to keep backup plans in their back pocket, just in case his recovery takes longer than anyone hopes.

Diamondbacks’ Resilience Will Be Tested

Injuries can reshape even the most carefully built rosters. The Diamondbacks are about to see what their depth really looks like.

This offseason feels complicated, with questions swirling around both pitching and the infield. Arizona’s ability to adjust will matter a lot if they want to stay in the NL West race.

For fans, patience is going to be tough but necessary. Waiting for Locklear’s return—and hoping the team comes out stronger after this whole transition—might be the hardest part.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Report: Diamondbacks 1B Tyler Locklear to have surgery for multiple injuries