Sports360AZ
By Jayden Nance
With the MLB trade deadline coming up in a little over a month, the Arizona Diamondbacks have important decisions to make about how to address their roster needs. The Diamondbacks currently sit 42-42, 12.5 games back of the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and 2.5 games back of the final wild card spot. General Manager Mike Hazen indicated they plan to be buyers at the deadline, rather than sellers like last year.
Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen didn’t beat around the bush on @WolfandLuke when asked if Arizona was planning on buying or selling at the MLB trade deadline.
“I’m planning on buying.”
The Front Office Focus is presented by Canvas. pic.twitter.com/2nLcEmu0NX
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) June 17, 2026
Starting pitching continues to be one of the Diamondbacks’ biggest needs to address before the trade deadline. The rotation has changed significantly over the past few seasons. Free-agent addition Michael Soroka has exceeded expectations after signing a one-year deal this offseason, while Eduardo Rodriguez has bounced back with a 2.21 ERA after posting ERAs above 5.00 in each of the last two years.
Meanwhile, the rest of the rotation has struggled. Zac Gallen owns the league’s worst ERA among qualified starters at 6.15 through 17 starts, and Ryne Nelson has recorded a 4.97 ERA in 15 starts. Merrill Kelly has posted a 5.84 ERA in 14 starts after signing back to the team after being traded at the last deadline. Brandon Pfaadt, a key contributor during the Diamondbacks’ 2023 World Series run, lost his rhythm and was optioned to Triple-A.
A huge blow to the rotation happened when manager Torey Lovullo announced Corbin Burnes re-aggravated a new injury, pushing his return back a couple of months.This leaves the Diamondbacks with major questions in the rotation at the deadline.
Some key names to watch out for include: Angels LHP Reid Detmers, Angels RHP Jose Soriano, Marlins RHP Sandy Alcantara, Mets RHP Freddy Peralta and Tigers RHP Casey Mize.
One of the biggest failures from this offseason was trying to platoon at first base. The Diamondbacks signed veteran 1B Carlos Santana to a one-year deal, who was recently designated for assignment. They were trying to pair Santana up with left-handed batter Pavin Smith. In 21 games, Smith has recorded a .161 batting average with a home run and 5 runs batted in. Both players have had stints on the IL, which led the Diamondbacks to use utility Ildemaro Vargas and rookie Jose Fernandez at first. Reports indicate the team is searching for a preferred left-handed first baseman.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are expected to pursue a left-handed 1B/DH at the trade deadline, per @Ken_Rosenthal
Luis Arraez, Lars Nootbaar, Zack McKinstry, TJ Rumfield and Troy Johnston are listed as potentially available options. pic.twitter.com/Hzn3d1ahjE
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) June 4, 2026
Something to watch is the possible reunion of Christian Walker, who has 19 home runs and 56 runs batted in this season. Another couple of options they could look at are the Boston Red Sox’s Wilson Contreras and the Colorado Rockies’ TJ Rumfield.
Another need is an outfielder to pair with Corbin Carroll, or a solid bat to serve as a designated hitter. The team got Lourdes Gurriel Jr. back from an ACL tear in April, and he’s returned batting .216 and with only one home run. Alek Thomas was the starting center fielder to begin the year before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since then the Diamondbacks have had a platoon of rookies try to fill in the rest of the outfield.
The DH spot has been a mystery for the team for years. To start the season, it was Adrian Del Castillo and Jose Fernandez before Pavin Smith returned to the roster. Del Castillo has a .188 AVG with 4 home runs.
Some bats the team could look at are: Twins CF Byron Buxton, Orioles LF Taylor Ward, Angels RF Jo Adell, Giants 2B Luis Arraez and Red Sox OF Jarren Duran.
The last thing the team could look at is getting one or two left-handed pitchers in the bullpen. The Diamondbacks began the season with no lefties in the bullpen until Braydn Garcia was called up from Triple-A.
The bullpen has been the early surprise this season, especially with the injuries to AJ Puk and Justin Martinez, who are still sidelined for months. It should be a priority to get at least one more left arm before the push for the postseason.
A couple of players to watch are Mets AJ Minter, Twins Taylor Rogers and Cardinals JoJo Romero.
