Diamondbacks Aim to Enhance Pitching Rotation

The Arizona Diamondbacks are working to upgrade their starting rotation, with general manager Mike Hazen indicating a preference for controllable pitchers. This move follows their decision on whether to trade Ketel Marte and comes as the team plans to reduce payroll.

This past season, the Diamondbacks' rotation posted a 4.28 earned run average, ranking low in strikeout rates. Eduardo Rodriguez led the team with a 2.89 ERA over 32 starts, while Michael Soroka and Brandon Pfaadt also performed well. However, Soroka is set to become a free agent, and his future with the team remains uncertain.

With Zac Gallen also hitting free agency after a disappointing season, the Diamondbacks are considering their options for the 2027 rotation, which currently includes Rodriguez, Pfaadt, Corbin Burnes, Merrill Kelly, and Ryne Nelson. The team may explore trades involving their surplus of right-handed hitting outfielders, such as Jordan Lawlar and Ryan Waldschmidt, to secure a controllable starter.