Bear Sports News

The Arizona Diamondbacks ended the 2025 season just two games out of contention of playoffs. It wasn’t bad play or anything that kept them out of there either. They had all the pieces that a team could want. Josh Naylor, Eugenio Suarez, Corbin Carroll and Geraldo Perdomo. As well as a pitching staff that included newly acquired free agent, Corbin Burnes as well as Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, A.J. Puk and the young hard-throwing Justin Martinez.

Unfortunately, when it rains in Arizona, it pours, and the injuries definitely poured on for the D-backs.

Before the 2025 season even began, the Diamondbacks announced that LHP Blake Walston and LHP Jordan Montgomery would miss the remainder of the season due to UCL repair surgery. More formally known in the MLB world as ‘Tommy John’ surgery. They also began the season with RHP Kevin Ginkel, RHP Kendall Graveman and SS Blaze Alexander on the 15 day disabled list.

If this wasn’t a sign to come, well I don’t know what is. Twelve players spent time on the disabled list during the season, with nine players not being able to return for the season. That’s a total of twenty-one injuries to the Diamondbacks roster in just seven months of play. Despite the numerous of injuries, the Diamondbacks offense was definitely the strong suit this season.

They ranked 8th in home runs and AVG, 6th in runs and 5th in OPS and total bases. Unfortunately the numerous number of injuries hit the pitching staff hard. About 67% of the injuries that the Diamondbacks suffered, were to the pitching staff. Seven out of the nine players who had season-ending injuries, were pitchers. While seven out of the twelve players who spent time on the disabled list were pitchers.

This forced the Diamondbacks to call up multiple Triple-A pitchers who probably weren’t exactly ready for MLB play but still did their absolute best to perform. Despite the injuries though, the Dbacks continued to push, and still had an impressive enough 2025 season to write home about. While most fans would rather choose to forget it, im here to tell you, why you start to buy ‘Serpientes’ stock early in 2026.

Offseason Losses and Gains

The Arizona Diamondbacks went into the 2026 offseason with a couple of goals in mind. Find a first and third baseman, fill the holes in the starting rotation and help out the bullpen. Sounds simple enough right? Well, the Diamondbacks weren’t exactly to keen about spending all this money. Reports had emerged that owner Ken Kendrick wanted to reduce payroll this season.

After spending a record 200m+ on the roster last season, Ken Kendrick told Gambo from Arizona Sports that the team would reduce payroll, but still have a playoff team out there.

“Will we spend $220 (million) next year? I don’t think that we will. Will we have a very significant payroll that will allow us to compete and be in the playoffs? I think we will. I think it’ll be a handsome number that will allow us to have a very competitive team. And I wouldn’t want us to back away from the focus on being in the postseason a year from now.”

Ken Kendrick has always been one to re-invest the revenue that the team gains, back into the field. Since 2021, the Diamondbacks have made approximately 1.303bn in revenue, and have spent approximately 859m on payroll since 2022. Ken Kendrick and the D-backs reinvest about 66% of the money back into the team, which comes in at just about league average.

If you know anything about the MLB, you can never expect what you’re expecting. The D-backs fell victim to that, spending a bit more than anticipated this offseason. Let’s break down all of the Diamondbacks moves this offseason and see where this places them in terms of payroll.

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This offseason, the Diamondbacks went in with Zac Gallen walking away, and the possibility of Lourdes Gurriel Jr denying a player option and leaving.

Well the D-backs sent over a qualifying offer to Gallen and he ultimately declined, deciding to test free agency. The D-backs also lost C James McCann, LHP Jalen Beeks, RHP Elvin Rodriguez, 2B Illdemaro Vargas, RHP Taylor Rashi and LHP Tommy Henry.

The Diamondbacks also lost LHP Kyle Backhus, CF Jake McCarthy, RHP Jack Martinez and SS Blaze Alexander to the trade market. Below you can find the full trade returns for each of the players mentioned.

• Diamondbacks trade LHP Kyle Backhus to the Phillies, in return for OF Avery Owusu-Asiedu
• Diamondbacks trade CF Jake McCarthy to the Rockies, in return for RHP Josh Grosz
• Diamondbacks trade RHP Jack Martinez to the Cardinals, in return for 3B Nolan Arenado and cash considerations
• Diamondbacks trade SS Blaze Alexander to the Orioles, in return for RHP Kade Strowd, RHP Wellington Aracena and 2B Jose Mejia.

Yes, you are reading that third bullet point right. The Diamondbacks were able to get Nolan Arenado. While some might think he’s outside of his prime, i feel like he’s ready to give Arizona that last ounce of great baseball he has left in him. In his first at-bat for the Diamondbacks in Spring Training, he hit a home run, versus no other team than the Colorado Rockies. Where he originally began his career and then in 2021, was traded to the Cardinals.

The Cardinals also sent over ‘cash considerations’ in the trade, which helped offset 31m of the remaining 42m that remains on his contract. While the power may not match Eugenio Suarez, his glove will exceed was Suarez was at third base for the Diamondbacks. During his two seasons with the Diamondbacks, Suarez committed 22 errors during his time at third base. Arenado has 14 errors during that same time frame. Those eight errors aren’t just simple mistakes, those could be the difference between a win and a loss.

In the trade department, the Diamondbacks receive an outstanding B+ for their deals. I love the Arenado trade and the acquisition of Owusu-Asiedu. Josh Grosz also dealt in High-A last season, posting a solid 3.28 ERA in the first half of the season. I do wish the Diamondbacks would’ve entertained the idea of trading another player rather than Blaze Alexander though. I personally believe the upside on Blaze is as hot as his name and while another name wouldn’t have brought the same return. I hope Strowd, Aracena and Mejia make me forget Alexander’s upside. Overall the Diamondbacks made a number of trades that filled holes in the prospect department, as well as the MLB team.

The Diamondbacks also didn’t stop there, they continued their silent free agency spree. While it took longer than fans would’ve liked, the Diamondbacks once again filled holes where they could with what they had. Out of the seven free agents that the Diamondbacks signed, four of them already had played with the Diamondbacks.

Diamondbacks 2026 Free Agent Acquistions

• C James McCann – 1yr/2.75m
• RHP Michael Soroka – 1yr/7.50m
• RHP Merrill Kelly – 2yr/40.00m
• RHP Taylor Clarke – 1yr/1.50m
• 1B Carlos Santana – 1yr/2.00m
• RHP Paul Sewald – 1yr/1.50m
• RHP Zac Gallen – 1yr/22.02m

The Diamondbacks first loss was C James McCann, and it was their first signing of the offseason. It is not confirmed at this time, but it seems like the D-backs will head into Opening Day this year with three catchers. Gabriel Moreno, Adrian Del Castillo and James McCann, with Del Castillo expected to work more of a DH role when needed this season. After a couple of silent weeks, the Diamondbacks agreed to terms with RHP Michael Soroka.

The next signing felt like it was destined to happen, when the D-backs traded him last season, he told reporters, he expects to be back in Arizona. They even had an offer that was more than the D-backs offer. Instead, the hometown kid decided to stay home for at least another two years. That pitcher is none other than Merrill Kelly. Kelly, who was on Team USA in the 2023 WBC and provided a memorable postseason run decided to run it back once again with the Dbacks.

RHP Taylor Clarke was the next man in line for the D-backs. Clarke has a four-pitch arsenal that includes a slider, four-seamer, change-up and a sinker. He posted a 3.25 ERA with a 0.89 WHIP and 44 K’s.

This next signing is personally my favorite out of them all. This one will really make the right side of the infield have some more personality. It also solidifies a huge glove there as well, something that Arizona has been known for. That signing was 1B Carlos Santana, now he’s not expected to be the day-to-day man, and will split the load between Pavin Smith.

Regardless of him not being the day-to-day man, his veteran presence, alongside Arenado, is gonna be huge for this young clubhouse. Santana’s presence is also already being felt in the clubhouse. Despite his insurance being denied for the upcoming WBC, the D-backs decided to allow him to play. Which means if Santana were to get hurt, they’d be paying his 2m salary this season.

Another huge reason the D-backs made the postseason in 2023, was due to one mans relief appearances. While that ONE performance in the postseason is what most fans remember, everyone else knows this man as the anchor of the D-backs bullpen in 2023. That RHP is none other than Paul Sewald, marking yet another reunion for the D-backs.

It was about a week into the pitchers and catchers work-outs, and one pitcher remained unsigned. Which for me, was honestly a surprise. Despite his tough 2025, he was still an amazing pitcher who posted some solid performances in 2025. Well, the Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to terms with Zac Gallen, bringing home another name that fans learned to love.

Final Thoughts

I do wish that they could’ve given a deal to a relief pitcher that me and you can both say, that’s the guy. No hate to anyone in the D-backs bullpen, but i just can’t name one pitcher that i can confidently give the ball in a bases loaded save situation. I never expected them to go out and sign a player like Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger, but i would’ve liked them to sign an everyday closer. The Diamondbacks had some problems last season figuring out their day-to-day closer when the injuries to Puk and JMart happened.

Overall, the Diamondbacks filled the holes that they needed to, as well as keeping in mind their players that will return from injury. The Diamondbacks did spend more than anticipated but were able to reduce payroll overall.

D-backs 2025 Payroll: 204,374,736$

D-backs 2026 Payroll: 193,590,833$

The Diamondbacks instead started to build the foundation for a playoff run in 2026, and a potential full blown title run in 2027. I grade the Arizona Diamondbacks 2026 offseason, an overall B+.

2026 Goals and Aspirations

Odds to win World Series – +7000

Odds to win NL West – +2200

Odds to make playoffs – +200

Despite the Diamondbacks starting the season with at least four players on the IL, they know exactly what they need to do. Most of their guys in the pitching department are slated to return around the midpoint of the season. If the Diamondbacks can keep their heads above water, the D-backs can quietly be the team to beat in the second half.

This first half of the season gives the opportunity to starting rotation to do everything possible to give a solid ground for the bullpen to work off of. I’m fully confident in the Diamondbacks offense and defense to be able to get the job done. In 2024, the Diamondbacks were the top fielding teams in the whole league, committing a league low 62 errors. Then in 2025, that number bumped up to 84.

The bullpen also knows that the pressure is 100% on them. The Diamondbacks had 47 blown leads last season, with eight of them coming in the ninth inning. That was the second worse in the whole league just behind the Chicago White Sox.

The goals for this season are quite simple, clean up the errors, the bullpen issues, keep the bats hot, and give the players returning from injury a reason to come back. When healthy, this team is scary, they can make it all work, and in the playoffs when a team has nothing to lose, well that’s a scary team. The D-backs know they are shooting for a 2027 World Series run, but if the opportunity provides itself, then why not try to go back-to-back?

2026 Potential Call-Ups

With some players slated to begin the season on the disabled list, this season can be huge for the D-backs prospects. Two that im heavily buying stock in are 2B/OF Tommy Troy and LHP Kohl Drake.

2B/OF Tommy Troy split his 2025 season between the Diamondbacks Double A and Triple A affiliates, and posted some huge numbers. He posted .289/.382/.451 splits with 12 HR’s and 24 SB’s. Most may not be quick to buy stock on Troy, but i think he can be an amazing utility man for the D-backs. Despite some lower body injuries, Troy continues to be a fast guy on the base paths, and will be a fast one to watch in the D-backs clubhouse.

LHP Kohl Drake was one of the pieces brought over in the Merrill Kelly deal. Now what poetic justice would it be do have both of these guys on the same MLB roster. Drake’s 96mph fastball and 80mph curveball will definitely help him get there. Kohl posted a 2.44 ERA in Double-A and was having a solid season in Triple-A before being traded. Drake finished his 2025 campaign with 106 strikeouts and a 4.23 ERA across 3 different teams.

What Does The Diamondbacks Opening Day Roster Look Like?

If you haven’t been following the Arizona Diamondbacks spring training this season, well it’s been a dozy. First off, before pitchers and catchers even reported, Andrew Saalfrank announced he would miss the entire season due to shoulder surgery. Then just like last season, Corbin Carroll showed up the day as pitchers and catchers. Everything seemed to be going great, videos were coming out and Corbin looked like he added some good muscle over the offseason.

During some batting practice, Corbin Carroll broke his hamate. Surgery was done the next day, and the following day after surgery, he was already swinging a bat. Lovullo does expect Corbin Carroll to be ready by Opening Day.

As if it couldn’t get worse for Diamondbacks fans, as i mentioned earlier. When it rains in Arizona, it pours.

It was announced early in February that Merrill Kelly would start on Opening Day for the Diamondbacks.He hadn’t appeared in a spring training game up to this point, but Kelly was scheduled to throw a simulated two inning bullpen session. As he was warming up, he felt something off in his back. He quickly pulled himself off of the mound and was seen in street clothes quickly after. The D-backs announced that they’d be scheduling an MRI for Kelly to see what was going on. Everything came back clean and showed no structural damage, but he is dealing with intercostal nerve irritation. He doesn’t believe he will be ready by Opening Day but doesn’t expect to spend time on the IL.

There’s still lots of unknowns currently with this D-backs roster. For example, will Gurriel be ready by Opening Day? Who will be the started for Opening Day? Well, i tried to do my best to build out my 26-man Opening Day roster with the information that is currently available.

With Merrill Kelly already mentioning that he would be missing Opening Day, i decided to slot in Andrew Hoffman as an extra relief man. Now down the line, it will be interesting to see how the D-backs handle the moves. For example, once Corbin Burnes returns, which starter is seeing their way out? Will Soroka be more of a relief man than a starter? Are Strowd, Clarke, Garcia and Hoffman fighting for their position on the roster once JMart and Puk return? Will Barrosa show enough promise that would force the D-backs to make some decisions about Lawlar in order to move Lourdes Gurriel Jr back into the lineup? Will the D-backs continue to run three catchers as the season goes on? Time will only tell, but the questions around this lineup will definitely be ones to monitor as the season progresses.

If i were Mike Hazen, GM of the Diamondbacks, I’d move Soroka into a heavy innings eater from the bullpen. This allows for the D-backs to give their bullpen some days off during games if their starter is able to go deep enough.

The perfect scenario would be for any of the starting five, Kelly, Gallen, Nelson, ERod and Pffadt to go six or seven innings. This allows the scenario for Soroka to come in to finish the game and give their bullpen some extra rest.

With JMart and Puk set to return sometime during the 2026 season, I can’t confidently say who I’d send down to put them back in the rotation. Projections show that Clarke and Strowd will likely be the pitchers the Dbacks decide to roll with once they return from injury.

The Barrosa versus Lawlar conversations are slowly starting to heat up. Now Lawlar has always seen the ball extremely well against minor league pitching, but unfortunately hasn’t been able to convert that into his MLB play. Now one can argue and say that Lawlar hasn’t had a certified day-to-day role like he has had in the majors and i agree with that argument completely. Lawlar is projected to take a majority of the 4th OF role and fill in where he can. Lawlar is projected to appear in 80 games this season with 309 plate appearances. He is expected to have a .246 batting average with 7 HRs, 33 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. This is the opportunity that Jordan Lawlar has been waiting for. Don’t be surprised if Lawlar is doing well enough and the D-backs decide to move him into Alek Thomas role at CF.

What Should We Expect From The Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026?

Personally, i feel like the D-backs are going to be one of those teams that will be extremely fun to watch. They have some kinks to iron out with the bullpen, as 2025 proved. But if they are able to tone all those blown losses down, this offense is projected to have another solid season. It’s just up to the bullpen and defense to keep the runs scored down.

This team is primed for success towards the second half of the season, once Burnes, JMart and Puk return, one can argue that this team is at full strength. Now the goals for the D-backs always felt like this 2026 season wasn’t gonna be a tank job, but do just enough to keep the boys in a position to be in the conversation.

Will the Diamondbacks be World Series favorites? Well, I’ll put it this way. A healthy Diamondbacks team in the postseason is scary. As i mentioned before, this team has nothing to lose this season. They know what’s at stake, they know who the big dogs are this season, and they’ve taken down the big dogs in the past. If this team gets to the postseason, teams better watch out. About 50% of the projected D-backs Opening Day roster was on that World Series roster in 2023. They will be looking for revenge, and if that opportunity is provided to them, well, look out.