Diamondbacks To Utilize Humidor At Chase Field, Beginning With 2018 Season
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The National League West has a reputation of being one of the more pitcher-friendly divisions in all of baseball, but there are a few exceptions that come to mind.

Coors Field is a natural hitters haven, given Colorado’s high altitude, which has resulted in home runs exiting the yard at a record pace. Arizona’s Chase Field is also routinely at the top of the leaderboard in home runs and extra-base hits.

In 2017, Chase Field was rated the third-best run-scoring environment in the all of baseball — trailing only Coors Field and the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Park in Arlington. Furthermore, Chase Field produced the most doubles, while also ranking in the top-five in home runs and triples.

In an effort to curb the ballpark’s hard-hit ball rate, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Mike Hazen revealed that a humidor will be utilized, beginning this season, via Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic:

Chase Field’s standing as one of baseball’s most hitter-friendly ballparks is subject to change. The Diamondbacks officially will unveil a humidor for 2018, General Manager Mike Hazen said.

Hazen estimates that the home run rate will drastically diminish this season. Last year, a plethora of Los Angeles Dodgers players enjoyed success at the plate at Chase Field.

Justin Turner hit .306/.375/.583 with four doubles and two home runs across 40 plate appearances. Corey Seager also thrived on the Diamondbacks’ home field, batting .364/.462/.545 with one double and one homer over 26 trips to the plate.

Likewise, Yasmani Grandal also put on an offensive display at Chase Field. In 26 plate appearances, he hit .333/.385/.542 with two doubles and home run.