BALTIMORE — As the Arizona Diamondbacks begin their series against the Baltimore Orioles, they will face a familiar face who spent many years within the organization.
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Apr 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Blaze Alexander (23) hits a double against the Chicago White Sox during the eight inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Blaze Alexander, who spent parts of his development within the Diamondbacks system and at the major league level before his trade to Baltimore in the offseason, acknowledged the emotional weight of competing against teammates and coaches. The former D-Backs infielder expects a mix of familiarity and competitiveness facing those he once shared a locker room with.
“Those are my best friends,” he said pregame, according to Arizona Central Sports’ José M. Romero. “I came up with a lot of those guys, and even the coaching staff… It’s my guys. I’m always going to root for them except for today, but I’m a fan of all of them.”
Blaze Alexander talks about facing his former team, the Dbacks. He’s thrilled for his new opportunity. I’m in Baltimore for the series. Hello to all. pic.twitter.com/BnqiGMpmEo
— José M. Romero (@RomeroJoseM) April 13, 2026
The need in the offseason for Arizona was pitching depth, with limited options available and key bullpen contributors still months away from returning. With Alexander’s versatility, speed, and adaptability, the Diamondbacks sent him to the Orioles to address that need.
Some fans were not pleased with the trade, considering Alexander one of the foundational pieces that kept the Diamondbacks in postseason contention until the final week of the 2025 season after the trade deadline.
Sep 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas and Blaze Alexander celebrate on the bench with teammates after pinch hitter Adrian Del Castillo hit a two run home run in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Others believe it was a necessary move for the D-backs to remain contenders this year, acknowledging the team’s most pressing roster needs.
Away from all that, however, Alexander has remained grounded and expressed that these games will be different, but “pretty loose” and “fun.” His ongoing relationships within the organization, while no longer wearing Sedona Red, are a reflection of his time and development as a Diamondback.
Sep 13, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) and left fielder Blaze Alexander (9) and center fielder Jorge Barrosa (1) celebrate the win over the Minnesota Twins after 10 innings at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
However, as MLB evolves and players come and go, both sides are now focused on what lies ahead rather than the past.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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