Bear Sports News

It’s been one week since the Free Agency period officially kicked off in the MLB and while the Diamondbacks have so far lost more then gained, i am here to report on all the moves that the Diamondbacks have made, and also some rumors that are swirling around.

-The biggest news so far coming out of the Diamondbacks camp is that Christian Walker has elected free agency, which was obvious to happen but still a tough blow for Diamondback fans. The Dbacks did send a qualifying offer (21.05m) to Christian Walker, so if he signs with another team, the Diamondbacks will receive a first round pick. But their are rumors swirling around that the Diamondbacks will chase him free agency, which if he signs with the D-backs they will lose a draft pick but for a player like Christian Walker, it might just be worth it. Especially with winning his third consecutive gold glove. His price is estimated to be around 3yr/65m per Sportrac.com. Their are rumors that the Diamondbacks are in running to potentially gain CWalk in free agency, and if that’s true then the way i see it. If your team is willing to lose a top draft pick to resign you, then that shows you all you should know about the front office wanting you back.

–Joc Pederson has also elected free agency following his end of a declined $14 million mutual option for 2025 with Arizona ($3M buyout). Pederson will almost certainly be a huge addition to any team he decides to sign with, as he is already gaining interest across the league. For Diamondbacks fans, it will be unfortunate to see him leave the team as his .275 will be tough to replace but the Diamondbacks have tons of young guys coming up in their farm system that will be ready to pounce at a moments notice. If the Diamondbacks want to pursue him in free agency, it will be a tad bit expensive as Sportrac has Pederson’s value set at a 2yr/29m so the question will be, do the Diamondbacks chase him give a young guy or even give Pavin Smith the chance as his stats were very impressive in the games we saw him play.

-Following a injury to Walker towards the deadline, it was obvious the Diamondbacks needed to make a move if they wanted to stay postseason eligible and in the fight. Then a trade for Josh Bell happened. Now at the time i wasn’t writing stories yet but i would’ve graded the trade an A. The Diamondbacks knew that Bell only had this season left on this contract, and wanted to do everything they could, to get some amazing play out of him. Plus at the time, they had just lost Christian Walker for some time due to injury. Bell impressed but he decided to elect free agency instead.

–Paul Sewald has also decided to hit free agency this year, this comes after being replaced with Justin Martinez later in the year after a couple of blown saves by Sewald. The 34-year old closer will look towards the market for his next team as Sportrac has his valuation at 11.6m

–Kevin Newman and Randal Grichuk will both also hit free agency this coming year. They both decided to opt out of their agreements this offseason. Newman and Grichuk are responsible for a combined batting average of a .284. They are also responsible for some memorable moments during the 2024 season which will be put down below.

–Jordan Montgomery also will be making a return to Arizona after he accepted his player option this offseason. Following comments from owner Ken Kendrick, GM Mike Hazen sat down with Monty and cleared the air. Both sides apologized for their mistakes this season, and it looks like both sides will be ready to hit this season running. I’m very hopeful that Monty will be able to produce a solid season, like he has in his past seasons. Especially if he is able to get a full spring training under his belt.

–Eugenio Suarez is also going to stay a Diamondback, and after his second half of the 2024 season, it seems like he will be ready to hit the 2025 campaign, just like how he ended it. Steve Gilbert sat down with Geno and talked about the contract, which you can read the full newsletter here. But for Geno it wasn’t really about the money, as he could have easily opted into free agency and got far more money anywhere else. But he quoted one thing, and that his family loves it here. He’s also made great relationships with the guys inside the clubhouse. This is the exact player that the Diamondbacks need in the clubhouse who is able to lead the team, and who doesn’t care about big contracts, but rather then family and the guys in the clubhouse.

-The Diamondbacks also resigned Merrill Kelly, now rumors are starting to swirl around that the Diamondbacks make some moves at the starting pitcher spot as they currently have a pretty big influx of them currently. I don’t see them moving Kelly right now in the offseason, as well as Zac Gallen despite him only having a year left on his contract. But i could see Yilber Diaz and Tommy Henry being offered if teams ask.

Diamondbacks Arbitration Eligible Players with Sportrac market values

Position	Player	Market Value
RHP	Zac Gallen	6yr/138m
RHP	Ryan Thompson	3yr/15m
RHP	Kevin Ginkel	4yr/29.7m
LHP	Joe Mantiply	3yr/11.8m
SS	Geraldo Perdomo	5yr/51.4m
OF	Jake Mccarthy	3yr/26.5m
LHP	Kyle Nelson	SIGNED 1-yr
LHP	A.J Puk	3yr/17.7m
OF/DH	Pavin Smith	5yr/21.2m