The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing a crucial offseason, and the stakes are higher than ever. Can they build on their recent success, or will they falter? While Ketel Marte is officially staying put, the Diamondbacks' General Manager, Mike Hazen, isn't resting on his laurels. He's publicly stated that he's still actively seeking to improve the team, focusing primarily on bolstering both the pitching staff and adding some extra punch to the offense. But here's where it gets controversial: with limited funds, how can they realistically address these needs effectively?
So far, the Diamondbacks have primarily made smaller moves. They've welcomed back Merrill Kelly through free agency, a move seen as a solid, dependable addition. They've also brought in right-hander Michael Soroka and catcher James McCann on one-year deals, hoping for bounce-back performances. On the other side of the coin, they've traded away lefty Kyle Backhus and outfielder Jake McCarthy, moves that signal a re-shuffling of the deck rather than a blockbuster overhaul.
According to reports, GM Mike Hazen has emphasized the need to strengthen the pitching staff, 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 could mean anything from adding a seasoned veteran to the starting rotation to beefing up the bullpen with reliable arms. He also aims to add "a couple of bats" to the lineup, suggesting a desire for more offensive firepower, especially in key situations.
Let's dive deeper into the pitching situation. The Diamondbacks' 2025 rotation struggled, plagued by injuries and underperformance across the board. Despite logging the third-most innings in the league, their rotation's 9.0 fWAR (Wins Above Replacement, a statistic that aims to quantify a player's total contribution to their team) ranked just 21st. That's not exactly a recipe for success.
The loss of staff ace Corbin Burnes to Tommy John surgery in June was a devastating blow. He had a stellar 2.66 ERA in 64 1/3 innings before the injury, and he's now expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season. And this is the part most people miss: Burnes' absence exposed deeper problems within the rotation. Zac Gallen, who was expected to step up as the ace, struggled, posting a 4.83 ERA and surrendering a concerning 31 home runs. Gallen is now a free agent, and a reunion seems unlikely, further complicating matters.
Brandon Pfaadt and Eduardo Rodriguez, both under club control, also faced challenges, with ERAs exceeding 5.00. While Rodriguez is guaranteed $46 million over the next two seasons (including a $6 million buyout on a 2027 mutual option) and Pfaadt is entering the first year of his five-year, $45 million extension, their performance needs to improve significantly for the Diamondbacks to contend. Ryne Nelson showed promise after moving into the rotation in May and is under team control through arbitration until 2028.
Interestingly, Merrill Kelly actually led the rotation with 2.3 fWAR even after being traded to the Rangers mid-season. His return is a positive, but the rotation still looks significantly weaker than it did a year ago, especially with Burnes sidelined and Gallen likely gone. Adding another reliable starter seems like a necessity. Kelly and Nelson, while solid, are probably better suited for the middle of the rotation on a contending team. Pfaadt and Rodriguez need to bounce back from their struggles, and Soroka is a bit of an unknown quantity, given his injury history and past success as a reliever.
But here's a potential roadblock: payroll. The Diamondbacks' current payroll is estimated at $166 million, a reduction from $188 million in 2025. Owner Ken Kendrick has expressed a desire to reduce spending this year, which could limit the team's options. Finding the financial wiggle room to sign a high-impact free agent starter like Ranger Suarez, for example, might be a stretch. Could the trade market offer a more viable path to acquiring pitching talent? Players like Freddy Peralta or Kodai Senga, if available, might be worth exploring.
If free agency is the preferred route, strengthening the bullpen might be a more cost-effective strategy. The Diamondbacks' bullpen ERA of 4.82 was among the worst in baseball last year. The injuries to key relievers Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk, both sidelined by Tommy John surgery, significantly impacted performance. With Martinez and Puk likely out for at least the first half of the season, the bullpen needs reinforcements. Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel will return, and lefty Andrew Saalfrank impressed last year, although his strikeout rate suggests regression could be on the horizon.
While the team has some promising young arms in the system, adding a proven late-inning reliever is crucial to stabilize the bullpen. The team showed interest in Pete Fairbanks before he was traded to Miami, indicating a desire for that type of player. Seranthony Dominguez is the top relief pitcher still available in free agency and could be a good fit. Other options include Pierce Johnson, Michael Kopech, and Danny Coulombe, but the market for high-leverage relievers has been competitive.
On the offensive side, reports suggest the Diamondbacks may focus on adding platoon players rather than everyday regulars. Given the financial constraints and the existing roster, this approach makes sense. Pavin Smith has primarily been a platoon bat, and adding a right-handed hitter to complement him at first base could be a smart move. Diamondbacks legend Paul Goldschmidt, now a free agent, would be a sentimental and potentially impactful addition, as would Rhys Hoskins. Lower-cost options include Connor Joe and Ty France. A right-handed hitting outfielder to platoon with Alek Thomas and provide occasional DH at-bats could also be valuable. Miguel Andujar, Chas McCormick, or even former Diamondback Randal Grichuk could fill that role. Another intriguing possibility is switch-hitting utility man Willi Castro, who could provide outfield depth and backup Jordan Lawlar at third base.
Ultimately, the Diamondbacks face some tough decisions this offseason. Can they find creative ways to improve their pitching staff and offense despite limited financial resources? Will they prioritize adding a top-tier starter or focus on strengthening the bullpen? And what kind of offensive additions will they pursue? What do you think the Diamondbacks should prioritize this offseason? Should they focus on pitching, offense, or a balanced approach? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
