Latest news and updates about the Diamondbacks
Overview Drafted in the 5th round of the 2020 draft, Brandon Pfaadt dominated the hitter friendly environments that make up the majority of the Arizona farm system. I won’t go into his full minor league history, but holding PCL batters to a 2.61 ERA and 3.71 ERA in two seasons is beyond impressive. Having rightfully […]
As we stare out the window and wait for spring, the projection systems have begun to churn out their expectations for next seasons. One of the most established and well-respected entries in this category is ZIPS, created and maintained by Dan Szymborski over at Fangraphs. He has been releasing the system’s expectations for next season, […]
The Phillies have spent their Friday reshaping their bullpen. After trading away Matt Strahm earlier in the day, they brought in a different lefthanded reliever in Kyle Backhus. The 27-year-old Backhus made his major league debut with the Diamondbacks in 2025, appearing in 32 games with a 4.62 ERA. He was very effective against lefthand […]
The Orioles acquired a legitimate ace for the 2024 season when they traded for Corbin Burnes. Baltimore did its best to keep Burnes around for 2025 and beyond, but the former free agent eventually signed with the Diamondbacks. Burnes departure left the O’s banking on Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez to lead the rotation last […]
There wasn’t a great deal of traction on getting nominations in this category – people I think got distracted by the arrival of a shiny Merrill Kelly-shaped bauble on the Diamondbacks Christmas tree, and so largely forgot about this. There was just the one nomination – thanks, Michael for your diligence! – which gives me […]
Background I think it’s safe to say that Ildemaro Vargas enjoys playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, or more specifically the Reno Aces. Vargas has spent a very large chunk of his career shuffling back and forth between the Diamondbacks AAA affiliate and the MLB club. Vargas first joined the organization in 2015, after being released […]
Good morning! There’s a new player in the Alex Bregman sweepstakes and it’s… the Arizona Diamondbacks? It’s certainly curious that Arizona would be in on Bregman given that they began the offseason purportedly open to move Ketel Marte in order to reduce payroll. Then again, the DBacks have moved in some interesting ways in free […]
Overview 2025 Review Mike Hazen had what can only be described as an “adventurous” 2025. Mike Hazen had moments of shock and awe. Hazen had moments of brilliance. But then, he also had his fair share (and then some) of head-scratching moments. While this could be a description of more than 20 of the GMs […]
A very surprising name emerged today as a suggested way for Arizona to address their third-base situation. Would you believe, three-time All-Star, Alex Bregman? According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, “The Arizona Diamondbacks have become a surprise entrant in the Alex Bregman sweepstakes and are ‘kicking the tires’ on the possibility.” Nick Piecoro subsequently confirmed […]
This is one of those reports and rumors that may just be a pressure campaign designed to get a different team over the hump and finalize a deal, but it’s also possible that the great offers just weren’t out there and Alex Bregman is about to go somewhere surprising. Enter the Arizona Diamondbacks: The Arizona Diamondbacks have become a surprise entrant in the Alex Bregman sweepstakes and are ‘kicking the tires’ on the possibility. The Dbacks would certainly have the financial flexibi...
Diamondbacks News Former Diamondbacks Catcher Signs with Rangers by Alex D’Agostino [SI] According to a report by El Extrabase’s Daniel Álvarez-Montes, Herrera has inked a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers, and will receive an invitation to big league Spring Training. The Rangers are the first organization Herrera will be a part of that is […]
Overview 2025 Review In baseball, so much of roster construction can center around player potential. That potential can be based on professional evaluations, subjective opinions, and obviously past performance. Teams will also sometimes see potential in “glue” guy – usually a veteran player who brings some kind of “clubhouse presence” that can theoretically help guide […]
Merrill Kelly signing reaction [SI] Why Merrill Kelly Signing was a Necessary Risk for Diamondbacks – Kelly does provide what Arizona needs more than anything — reliable innings coverage. While health isn’t a complete guarantee, Kelly generally is able to deliver five-plus innings each and every start. 2024 is the only season in recent history […]
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Pitching was a big reason why Arizona made it back to the College World Series last season. The return of many key arms for 2026 makes it likely the Wildcats will again have a stellar staff. Who guides those pitchers, however, is uncertain. Michael Lev of the Arizona Daily Star is reporting that pitching coach […]
Adrian Del Castillo was coming into the 2025 season with the glow of a successful 2024 behind him. Clayton accurately identified his defense as an issue in that review, but he and all other parties agreed that the bat could play at the major league level. The question would be come, could it overcome the […]
In one of the less surprising free-agent signings of the winter, Merrill Kelly has returned to the desert, signing a two-year contract with the Diamondbacks, for a reported $40 million. It’s a deal which both sides had clearly been keen on pursuing, even before Kelly was dealt to the Texas Rangers at the deadline. The […]
Of all the seasons in Diamondbacks’ history, this was certainly one of them. Given the mediocrity of the final record, I think it’s surprising how many of the games might stick around – just not for the right reasons. We score ten runs in an inning! And lose… A player hits four home-runs in a […]
Multiple sources this morning are reporting that the Diamondbacks have re-signed starting pitcher Merrill Kelly to a two-year deal. The cost is apparently $40 million, which is both higher than expected, and also seems more than the D-backs were generally expected to be spending. It’s a return to Arizona for Kelly, of course. He came […]
In case you missed the early morning news, the Arizona Diamondbacks have pulled off the rare “trade away your player and re-sign him in the offseason” move with Merrill Kelly. Let’s start there today. When the Diamondbacks traded Kelly to the Rangers this July, they landed Kohl Drake (#6 prospect in the D-Backs system), Mitch Bratt (#9), and David Hagaman (#15), a tidy sum for a 36-year-old rental starter. And now they get him back, albeit at a very substantial $20M per year for tw...
Reports: Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks agree to 2-year, $40M deal https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47302930/reports-merrill-kelly-diamondbacks-agree-2-year-40m-deal Arizona Diamondbacks, Merrill Kelly on verge of reunion https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2025/12/14/merrill-kelly-contract-diamondbacks/87762366007/ James will have Merrill Kelly’s review on January 3rd. Ketel Marte to play in World Baseball Classic for Dominican Republic https://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizon...
Overview Background and Peak Expectations Alek Thomas burst onto the prospect scene with a standout 2021 minor league season (.313 AVG, 18 HR, .953 OPS) while showcasing elite center field defense. Entering 2022, MLB.com ranked him as the Diamondbacks’ top prospect and No. 18 overall—ahead of future stars like Corbin Carroll and Elly de la […]
There are times where I have to wait until the last minute possible to write up the winner, because it is not clear who it is going to be. This was not one of those times. The victor always seemed likely, though I do have to feel for Brandon Pfaadt, whose “incomplete game shutout” would […]
Today, the Arizona Diamondbacks made official the free-agent signing of pitcher Michael Soroka, who is expected to become part of the Opening Day rotation for the team. To make room for the player on the 40-man roster, Arizona designated pitcher Bryce Jarvis for assignment. GM Mike Hazen spoke to the media this afternoon, explaining what […]
Overview 2025 review I was a little surprised to realize Morillo appeared in as many as forty-two games for the D-backs this year. Only Jalen Beeks and Ryan Thompson pitched more often, and Juan took the mound more often than many more well-known names. It may be because he didn’t see very many high-leverage situations: […]