Hold on tight, Diamondbacks fans! Even after securing Ketel Marte, the team still faces a high-stakes offseason where their success hinges on some crucial decisions. General Manager Mike Hazen is making it clear: the Diamondbacks aren't done making moves. While a blockbuster trade might not be in the cards, they're actively looking to reinforce their pitching and add some punch to their lineup. Let's dive into what that might look like.
So far, the Diamondbacks have been busy. They brought back a familiar face in Merrill Kelly through free agency, a move that provides some stability to their pitching staff. They've also inked right-hander Michael Soroka and catcher James McCann to one-year deals, hoping these additions can provide valuable contributions at a reasonable cost. On the other side of the coin, they've parted ways with Kyle Backhus and Jake McCarthy via trades, signaling a willingness to reshape the roster. But here's where it gets controversial...are these moves enough to propel them forward?
According to reports, GM Mike Hazen has stated his intentions to strengthen both the pitching staff and the offensive lineup, aiming to add “a couple of bats.” He emphasized the focus on pitching, stating they are “still in the process of trying to add to our pitching staff. Bullpen, starting, whether it’s depth, whether it’s jumping into the rotation is still the main area of focus.” This broad statement opens up numerous possibilities for improvement. What do you think, will they focus on a big name or depth pieces?
To understand the urgency, let's look back at the 2025 season. The Diamondbacks' rotation struggled, plagued by injuries and underperformance. Despite logging the third-most innings in the league, their 9.0 fWAR (a comprehensive pitching statistic) ranked only 21st. That's not exactly a recipe for success. The loss of staff ace Corbin Burnes, who pitched to a stellar 2.66 ERA before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June, was a major blow. He's expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season, but remains under contract through 2030. This is a long-term investment, but the immediate impact is undeniable. Imagine how different the season could have been with a healthy Burnes leading the charge!
Adding insult to injury, Zac Gallen, who was expected to step up as the ace, had a disappointing season. Despite staying healthy, he posted a 4.83 ERA and surrendered the third-most home runs in the league (31). Gallen is now a free agent, and a reunion seems unlikely, leaving a significant void in the rotation. And this is the part most people miss... the ripple effect of losing both Burnes and Gallen truly underscores the need for pitching reinforcements.
Brandon Pfaadt and Eduardo Rodriguez, both under team control, also struggled with run prevention, finishing the year with ERAs above 5.00. Rodriguez is guaranteed $46MM over the next two seasons (including a $6MM buyout on a 2027 mutual option), while Pfaadt is entering the first year of his five-year, $45MM extension. These are significant investments, and the team will be counting on them to bounce back. Ryne Nelson, who showed promise after joining the rotation in May, is controlled through arbitration until 2028. Interestingly, Merrill Kelly actually led the rotation with 2.3 fWAR, despite being traded to the Rangers mid-season. His return provides some stability, but the rotation as a whole looks considerably weaker than it did a year ago.
Given these challenges, adding another starter seems like a logical step. Kelly and Nelson project as the top two starters, but on a contending team, they'd likely be middle-of-the-rotation arms. Pfaadt and Rodriguez are coming off rough seasons, making it difficult to rely on them for more than back-end innings. Soroka, while signed to be a starter, has historically performed better out of the bullpen and hasn't pitched a full season since 2019. It's a gamble, but one the Diamondbacks are willing to take. What are your thoughts on Soroka as a starter?
The biggest obstacle to acquiring another starter is payroll. Currently, the Diamondbacks' payroll is estimated at $166MM, down from $188MM in 2025. Owner Ken Kendrick has expressed a desire to reduce spending this year, which limits the team's financial flexibility. Securing a high-impact free-agent starter like Ranger Suarez or even a reunion with Gallen might be financially unfeasible. This leaves the trade market as a potentially more viable option, with players like Freddy Peralta and Kodai Senga possibly available. Would you prefer the Diamondbacks make a splashy trade or find a hidden gem?
Alternatively, focusing on the bullpen in free agency could be a more cost-effective strategy. The Diamondbacks' bullpen ERA of 4.82 was the fourth-worst in baseball last year. The loss of key relievers Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk to Tommy John surgery further compounds the problem. Both are expected to miss at least the first half of the season, if not the entire year. This leaves the team with little continuity or reliability in the late innings. Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel will return, but the top returning reliever is Andrew Saalfrank, who had a dazzling 1.24 ERA but an unsustainable strikeout rate. Is Saalfrank poised for a breakout year, or will he regress to the mean?
While the team has some promising young arms in the system, the bullpen desperately needs an established late-inning presence to stabilize things while Martinez and Puk are sidelined. The Diamondbacks were reportedly interested in Pete Fairbanks before he was traded to Miami, indicating their desire for this type of player. Seranthony Dominguez is the top relief arm remaining in free agency and would be a logical fit. If his price tag is too high, other options like Pierce Johnson, Michael Kopech, and Danny Coulombe are available. The relief market is thinning out, so the Diamondbacks need to act quickly. Which of these relievers would you want to see in a Diamondbacks uniform?
Turning to the offense, it's suggested that the Diamondbacks might focus on adding platoon players rather than everyday starters. Given their financial constraints and existing roster, this approach makes sense. Pavin Smith has primarily been a platoon bat, and adding a right-handed complement at first base would be a smart move. Could a reunion with Diamondbacks legend Paul Goldschmidt be in the cards? Other options include Rhys Hoskins, Connor Joe, and Ty France. A right-handed hitting outfielder to platoon with Alek Thomas and provide DH at-bats could also be valuable. Potential targets include Miguel Andujar, Chas McCormick, and even a return of Randal Grichuk. Another intriguing option is switch-hitting utility man Willi Castro, who could provide outfield depth and back up Jordan Lawlar at third base. Do you think bringing back a former player like Goldschmidt or Grichuk would be a good move for the team's morale and performance?
Ultimately, the Diamondbacks' offseason success will depend on their ability to make smart, strategic moves within their budget. Strengthening the pitching staff, particularly the bullpen, seems to be a top priority, while adding complementary pieces to the offense could provide a much-needed boost. What are your predictions for the Diamondbacks' offseason? What moves do you think they should make, and which players should they target? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
