The Arizona Diamondbacks, led by General Manager Mike Hazen, are gearing up for a strategic offseason, aiming to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. With a focus on strengthening the pitching staff and adding offensive firepower, the team is navigating a delicate balance between making impactful moves and managing their payroll. Here's a deep dive into their plans and the potential areas of controversy.
Pitching Staff Reinforcements:
Hazen's comments about adding to the pitching staff are intriguing, especially given the team's struggles in 2025. The rotation, led by ace Corbin Burnes, faced challenges with injuries and underperformance. Burnes' Tommy John surgery in June will keep him sidelined for most of the 2026 season, and the team's top two starters, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, didn't perform up to expectations. The rotation's fWAR ranked 21st in the league, indicating room for improvement.
The Diamondbacks are considering adding another starter, but the payroll constraints could be a hurdle. With a current payroll of $166MM, they might need to explore the trade market for impact free agents like Ranger Suarez or revisit the idea of reuniting with Gallen. However, the team's interest in late-inning relievers like Pete Fairbanks and Seranthony Dominguez suggests a focus on bolstering the bullpen.
Bullpen Strengthening:
The bullpen's struggles in 2025 were evident, with a 4.82 ERA, the fourth-worst in baseball. The loss of top relievers Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk due to Tommy John surgery further exacerbated the issue. The team's top returning reliever, Andrew Saalfrank, had a dazzling 1.24 ERA in 2025 but is unlikely to replicate that performance. Therefore, adding an established late-inning arm could be a smart move to stabilize the bullpen.
Offensive Enhancements:
In the offensive department, the Diamondbacks are considering adding platoon players rather than everyday regulars. With limited financial flexibility, they might target right-handed complements at first base, such as Paul Goldschmidt or Rhys Hoskins. Lower-level options like Connor Joe and Ty France are also on the table. Additionally, a right-handed hitting outfielder to platoon with Alek Thomas could be valuable.
Controversial Interpretations:
The team's approach to addressing their needs could spark debate. Some might argue that pursuing high-impact free agents like Ranger Suarez or revisiting the Gallen reunion would be a bold move, despite the payroll constraints. Others might question the wisdom of focusing on platoon players, suggesting that the team could benefit from adding more consistent everyday regulars. The comments from Hazen leave room for interpretation, and the team's decisions will shape the narrative for the upcoming season.
