Diamondbacks Acquire Grae Kessinger from Astros for Minor League Pitcher

The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired utility infielder Grae Kessinger from the Houston Astros in exchange for minor league pitcher Matthew Linskey, according to reports by Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The trade, finalized on December 23, adds depth to Arizona’s infield options ahead of the 2025 season.

Kessinger, 27, was designated for assignment by the Astros earlier in December to make room for the signing of Christian Walker. The right-handed hitter has appeared in 49 MLB games over the past two seasons, posting a .131 batting average with one home run. Despite his limited offensive production, Kessinger brings defensive versatility, having logged significant innings at shortstop, second base, and third base. He also has two minor league options remaining, allowing the Diamondbacks to assign him to Triple-A Reno if needed.

In Triple-A, Kessinger has shown more promise, hitting .271 with a .363 on-base percentage and a .407 slugging percentage over 524 plate appearances in the past two years. His plate discipline, including a 12.4% walk rate, makes him a potential asset as a bench player or depth option for Arizona.

In return, the Astros receive 22-year-old right-handed reliever Matthew Linskey, a 16th-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Rice University. Linskey, who stands 6’7