Arizona Diamondbacks learning what Toronto Blue Jays already knew about catcher Gabriel Moreno

After being traded by the Toronto Blue Jays four years ago, Gabriel Moreno still looks like a potential perennial All-Star for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The problem is he hasn't been able to stay healthy long enough to prove it over a full season.

On December 23, 2022, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins made a move that sparked significant debate among fans, sending fan favourite Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and top catching prospect Gabriel Moreno to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for outfielder Daulton Varsho.

At the time, many fans believed the Blue Jays should have traded Alejandro Kirk instead of Moreno.

So far, the deal has worked out for Toronto. Kirk has developed into a key contributor, while Varsho has become a valuable everyday player.

Once ranked as Toronto's top prospect in 2022, Moreno has flashed his talent with the Diamondbacks but has struggled to stay on the field.

He played just 97 games in 2024 and only 83 in 2025 due to injuries.

When healthy, however, the upside is clear. Moreno combines strong contact hitting with excellent defense behind the plate and one of the most powerful throwing arms among MLB catchers.

Through seven spring training games this year (excluding today's contest), Moreno is hitting .174 with one home run and three RBIs.

His bat has been slow to start, but he's been getting extra work at camp after not being selected to Venezuela's roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has spoken about the young catcher's need to improve his pitch calling and feel for the flow of a game.

That factor contributed to Moreno splitting more time behind the plate with veteran catcher James McCann late in the 2025 season once he returned from injury.

Despite missing two months and sharing playing time, Moreno still produced a solid 2.15 aWAR and posted a +8 Fielding Run Value in 2025.

Moreno isn't built to be a platoon catcher. He has the tools to become a franchise backstop and a legitimate offensive threat.

But fewer starts behind the plate could make it harder for him to reach that ceiling.

Health remains the biggest obstacle. Through his first three seasons with Arizona, Moreno has appeared in just 291 games due to recurring injuries.

Pitch calling and game management often come with experience, something McCann provides after a long major league career. His presence could ultimately help Moreno refine that part of his game.

If Moreno can stay healthy while continuing to develop those skills, his ceiling remains extremely high.

The 25-year-old recently signed a one-year, $2.55 million contract to avoid arbitration.

He remains under team control through 2028 and is scheduled to become a free agent in 2029.

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