Diamondbacks Seek Controllable Starter via Trade to Cut Payroll

The Arizona Diamondbacks plan to reduce payroll this winter, steering general manager Mike Hazen toward the trade market rather than free agency as he looks to upgrade a rotation that posted a middling 4.28 ERA this past season.

Addressing Rotation Shortcomings via Trade

Arizona starters recorded a 9.6% K-BB rate, a figure that bested only the Colorado Rockies. While the group showed strong control, missing bats proved difficult. Eduardo Rodriguez anchored the staff by posting a 2.89 ERA across 32 starts and leading the team with 3.2 fWAR despite middling peripherals. Michael Soroka and Brandon Pfaadt followed closely behind with ERAs under 3.40. Soroka relied on an above-average 24.1% strikeout rate, whereas Pfaadt leaned on ground balls and command. Both sides have expressed interest in a reunion, though it remains unclear how far Arizona will go to retain Soroka while addressing the rest of their roster, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

Zac Gallen hits free agency after a difficult age-30 season. In 105 1/3 innings across 22 appearances and 20 starts, Gallen registered a 6.07 ERA, struck out just 13.6% of opponents, and surrendered 19 home runs, resulting in below-replacement-level production on FanGraphs. The Diamondbacks will likely pass on bringing him back for the 2027 campaign. Corbin Burnes remains under contract, meaning the projected 2027 starting five consists of Rodriguez, Pfaadt, Burnes, Merrill Kelly, and Ryne Nelson.

Hazen May Trade Outfield Depth for Controllable Starting Pitching

Bringing back Soroka would raise the pitching floor, but the front office still needs a true strikeout arm to guard against potential regression. Burnes enters 2027 aiming for his first full uninterrupted season in three years, which likely introduces an innings limit. To acquire a controllable starter without increasing payroll through free agency, Hazen could use the team's depth in right-handed hitting outfielders. Jordan Lawlar and Ryan Waldschmidt stand out as trade candidates. Lawlar spent substantial time on the injured list with wrist and hamstring issues, though he hit well in limited action after ranking as a Top 100 prospect in 2025. Waldschmidt finished the year with a 93 wRC+ across 284 plate appearances. Neither player commands a starter alone, but pairing them with mid-tier prospects could facilitate a deal.

Several Major League clubs hold surplus starting pitching. The Seattle Mariners feature Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller, each carrying three remaining years of control. Miller profiles as a realistic target for Arizona following a down second half that saw him pitch to a 6.14 ERA with declining strikeout and walk rates over his final 13 starts beginning July 9th. Woo carries a more consistent track record and would require a higher prospect cost. The Los Angeles Angels shopped Reid Detmers at the trade deadline and are expected to field inquiries again. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees possess depth they could move from their rotation. New York previously discussed Will Warren in trade talks with the San Diego Padres. Warren remains controlled through the 2030 season and posted an above-average 23.3% strikeout rate. The Pittsburgh Pirates feature Carmen Mlodzinski in a similar sixth-starter role, presenting another viable trade avenue for the Diamondbacks.

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