Now, the Diamondbacks are one of the hottest teams in the Free Agency. With these latest acquisitions, I thought it’d be a good read for fans. What else is needed for the Diamondbacks perfect offseason.

First off, let’s break down who is arbitration-eligible. This list now reflects the acquisition of Josh Naylor, who is eligible for his final year of arbitration.

If you need a quick reminder, arbitration is a point where both the teams and the players can negotiate salaries during their first six years of service. Players who already have a contract for the next season are not eligible for arbitration. If both sides are not able to reach a number. A third party will listen in on the talks, and side with whoever they think is in the right. A player’s salary can be reduced in arbitration but only by a maximum of 20%.

Zac Gallen – PROJ 14.1M

A.J Puk – PROJ 2.6M

Ryan Thompson – PROJ 2.9M

Kevin Ginkel – PROJ 2.3M

Josh Naylor – PROJ 12M

Joe Mantiply – PROJ 1.6M

Kyle Nelson – PROJ 800K

Geraldo Perdomo – PROJ 2.1M

Pavin Smith -SIGNED 1.5M *1/8 UPDATE*

I think this arbitration period will be relatively easy for the Diamondbacks, with most of their players, wanting to stay a part of the team. But with two big names on this list, I think it’s time for the Diamondbacks to give out some long-term contracts.

With the latest trade of Josh Naylor, he is now eligible for his final year of arbitration. This means he is eligible to hit free agency, as soon as the 2025-2026 offseason. It’s only right if the Diamondbacks give him a long-term contract. Naylor has already proved himself to the Guardians that he is worthy of one. I also don’t think that the Diamondbacks wanna go through the process of losing another great First Baseman.

Now I also think, that if Naylor gets an extension, it’s only obvious that Zac Gallen will receive one as well. Zac Gallen who struggled with injuries last season, has always been the Diamondbacks answer. Starting multiple Opening Days, skipping a day so he can face a hot team. It’s only right if they keep Gallen, especially with the acquisition of Corbin Burnes. This free agency has only proved that the richer teams will get better, while the mid-market teams will need to fight for scraps.

I’d hate for either of these two players to be able to test the free agency market and get a bigger offer than the Diamondbacks can match. This is why is now the perfect time to get an extension done. Especially since it would be in the hands of the hearing panel. This could be the answer that the Diamondbacks are looking for.

LATEST DIAMONDBACKS MLB ACQUISITIONS

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Corbin Burnes agreed to a 6-yr contract for 210m.

10m signing bonus.

20m to be paid in 25’ and 26’.

Opt-Out after 26’ season

25m to be paid in 27’-30’

60m in deferrals

No trade clause to all 29 teams from 25’ to 26’

14 team no trade clause from 27’-30’

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Cleveland Guardians agreed to a trade. Sending RP Slade Cecconi, who had a 6+ ERA in 2024, and a competitive draft pick to the Guardians. In return, they received 1B, who had 40+ HR’s last season, Josh Naylor.

Corbin Burnes Full Contract Details

Corbin Burnes and the Diamondbacks agreed to a 6-year contract. This is all pending a physical and a team announcement on the deal. But regardless, Burnes agreed to a six-year deal. Despite being valued at far more money, and supposedly being offered more money by other teams.

Burnes was the one who contacted the Diamondbacks, just days before the move took place. He talked with the team and told them about his desire to play in Arizona. Two major factors were taken into this, with the first being that Burnes is simply a family man. He and his wife recently had twins in June. Now that might mean nothing, but he and his wife have been living in Scottsdale, Arizona for some time now. Which more than likely influenced the move to stay close to his family. Another is that the taxes are a lot different in Arizona compared to other states for ball players. But I think a main part of this move was to stay close to home.

What do the Diamondbacks need?

Simply, the Diamondbacks need a DH and another solid relief pitcher. The Diamondbacks did an amazing job replacing Christian Walker with the acquisition of Josh Naylor. But now, it’s figuring out, who will replace Joc Pederson. To simply break it down, your best guess is as good as mine. The Diamondbacks are a very tight-lipped organization, meaning rumors, and leaks, rarely come out. We usually only hear about it once it’s already been confirmed. The Diamondbacks will more than likely try to trade for a DH though as the market for DHs just isn’t as strong as it was.

After finishing near dead last for pitching last season in the league, it’s clear that the bullpen needs a bit of a makeover. I don’t think the issues lay in the starting pitching since every D-backs pitcher other than Brandon Pfaadt. Spent an extended time away from the team due to injury. Now a relief pitcher to slot in between Martinez and Puk would be exactly what the Diamondbacks need. Especially with having arguably one of the top rotations in the league now. I also think the Diamondbacks will look to find a trade suitor for this move.

The Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen has said that he doesn’t want to ruin the OF depth. So the rumors of McCarthy and Thomas on the trade block can likely be squashed. Hazen mentioned in Winter Meetings, that he’d like to move prospects in return for MLB players but the market at the time wasn’t aligning. Now that some time has passed, it makes you wonder if a prospect or two will be included in a trade sending Monty away.

What’s the rotation looking like now?

Currently this is all projections straight from Bear Sports News, none of these are confirmed.

Ace: Corbin Burnes

2nd: Zac Gallen

3rd: Merrill Kelly

4th: Eduardo Rodrigues

5th: Brandon Pfaadt

6th: Jordan Montgomery

Personally after how the season went last season with injuries to the rotation and everything, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lovullo opts for a 6-man rotation. Now this is solely based on how the team’s roster is currently.

I would personally like to see Monty stay a Diamondback, despite being expensive. I think his issue lay with not having spring training. Monty has signs of life during the season but was never able to get over that hill. Now I think with the sit-down he had with Hazen. It’s only right for the Diamondbacks to give him a chance. If it doesn’t work out, then try to move him by the trade deadline. But I’d like to see Lovullo opt for a 6-man rotation, and I think Monty would be the perfect 6th man.