2026 Arizona Diamondbacks Discussion thread

[Adrian]

MLB Admits What D-backs Fans Already Know About Ketel Marte

Fans of the Arizona Diamondbacks do not need many reminders of just how elite second baseman Ketel Marte has been in his tenure — particularly in recent seasons.

www.yardbarker.com

 

[Adrian]

On Monday, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal discussed the free agency of starting pitchers Framber Valdez and Gallen. He was asked whether either of these guys could return to their former teams. As far as Gallen was concerned, he said there’s a slight chance.

“I would say neither has a very good chance of returning to their former team,” Rosenthal said. “Could I see the Diamondbacks maybe doing a short-term thing with Gallen? I could possibly see that. But at the same time, they are a team that, because they held on to Ketel Marte, are not maybe as financially flexible as they would have been had they traded him… I would say Gallen has a better chance of going back to his former team than Valdez, certainly.”

MLB Insider Buzz: D’backs Poised to Keep Zac Gallen on Short Leash as Angels Roll the Dice on Trey Mancini | College Sports Network

Trey Mancini signs deal with Angels.

collegefootballnetwork.com

 

[Adrian]

"Keep in mind," Bowden writes, "that stance could change with a robust trade offer, something that could come about if there is a major injury to a player in spring training and a team decides to revisit trade talks and offer closer to what Arizona was looking for in the beginning."

Former MLB GM reveals what it would take for Diamondbacks to entertain a Ketel Marte trade | Sporting News

The Diamondbacks might not be done listening to Marte offers for this one reason.

www.sportingnews.com

 

[Adrian]

That leaves Pavin Smith positioned to handle most of the workload at first base. Smith has been effective against right-handed pitching, particularly over the past two seasons, when he emerged as a reliable source of production when healthy. His struggles against left-handed pitching, however, remain pronounced, reinforcing the need for a platoon partner who can balance the lineup.

Diamondbacks Still Exploring First Base Upgrade

The Diamondbacks remain active in their search for first base help, with Paul Goldschmidt emerging as a possible platoon fit.

heavy.com

 

[Weenus O'Baggins]

Budget constraints...of course...that is just sign language for "we won't be competitive in the NL West this year - deal with it".

They are in the top 12 in payroll with no TV money.

This should all be addressed with the collective bargaining agreement.

 

[Weenus O'Baggins]

Former MLB GM reveals what it would take for Diamondbacks to entertain a Ketel Marte trade | Sporting News

The Diamondbacks might not be done listening to Marte offers for this one reason.

www.sportingnews.com

That ship has way sailed

 

[Adrian]

1. Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, 23, Double-A
Waldschmidt was the team’s 1st round pick in the 2024 Draft (31st overall) out of college. He immediately impressed, slashing .289/.419/.473 over two levels (A+ and AA) for the Diamondbacks in 2025. In 484 at bats he hit 18 home runs and stole 29 bases. Waldschmidt has a great eye at the plate, having almost as many walks as strikeouts, and has developing power to go with an above-average hit tool. He should move up to the majors soon, perhaps as quickly as late 2026. (@tonybps1)

Arizona Diamondbacks Top 50 Prospects (2026)

Prospects1500 brings you the Top 50 prospects for each system in baseball. This is our Arizona Diamondbacks top 50 prospects for 2026.

www.prospects1500.com

 

[Sparky16]

Arizona Diamondbacks Top 50 Prospects (2026)

Prospects1500 brings you the Top 50 prospects for each system in baseball. This is our Arizona Diamondbacks top 50 prospects for 2026.

www.prospects1500.com

So is Druw Jones a bust? I hear nothing about him

 

[Weenus O'Baggins]

So is Druw Jones a bust? I hear nothing about him

So last year he won minor league defensive player of the year and a gold glove. He finished A ball with a .335 OBP and .694 OPS but that was heavily damage by a slow April- June. From July - September his OBP was .370 and his OPS .790. I was disappointed he wasn't on the fall league roster but maybe that is this year.

The arm and fielding are both still 80. I think he gets into AA this year and has a chance to contribute late this year or early next after Thomas leaves.

 

[Adrian]

Caldwell fits the Diamondbacks’ preferred archetype for a hitter. Short, athletic outfielders with an advanced approach at the plate and underlying power metrics. Under general manager Mike Hazen, Arizona has drafted a hitter that’s 5’10” or shorter with their top draft choice five times.

This Teenaged Outfielder Could Lead the Diamondbacks’ Farm System in 2027

Slade Caldwell, who narrowly missed ranking on Top 100 lists, could be the Arizona Diamondbacks' top prospect entering the 2027 season.

heavy.com

 

[Weenus O'Baggins]

This Teenaged Outfielder Could Lead the Diamondbacks’ Farm System in 2027

Slade Caldwell, who narrowly missed ranking on Top 100 lists, could be the Arizona Diamondbacks' top prospect entering the 2027 season.

heavy.com

It's worked out once.

 

[Weenus O'Baggins]

I need to do a retrospect on the Dbacks 2021 - 2023 drafts. Lots of picks and not a lot to show for it.

Their farm system should be loaded right now and it's pretty middling

 

[Adrian]

The Arizona Diamondbacks' offseason has certainly made sense if one has been paying attention, but it's still not exactly a set of moves that inspire a high amount of confidence in the team to be a serious contender in 2026.

Insider's Ugly Grade Says Everything About Diamondbacks' Offseason

The Arizona Diamondbacks' offseason has certainly made sense if one has been paying attention, but it's still not exactly a set of moves that inspire a high amo

www.si.com

 

[Adrian]

He ran the bases with elite efficiency.
He played Gold Glove–caliber defense in the outfield.
He got on base, pressured defenses, and quietly accumulated value without ever needing to sell out for power.

A Subtle Swing Change Rewrote Corbin Carroll’s Offensive Ceiling

He was already a dynamic hitter, but one small swing change has turned Corbin Carroll into a serious MVP contender.

www.justbaseball.com

 

[Adrian]

As a result, the D-backs' organization has been somewhat maligned in farm evaluations, for understandable reasons. But according to The Athletic's Keith Law, Arizona's farm system may actually be back on the rise.

Diamondbacks' Farm System Given Surprise Ranking

The Arizona Diamondbacks are somewhat removed from their days of sporting one of the best farm systems in major league baseball. Prospects like Corbin Carroll,

www.si.com

 

[Adrian]

PHOENIX — Another Arizona Diamondbacks player has committed to the World Baseball Classic in March, representing his heritage and roots in the international tournament.

Diamondbacks OF Alek Thomas to represent Team Mexico in WBC

PHOENIX — Another Arizona Diamondbacks player has committed to the World Baseball Classic in March, representing his heritage and roots in the international tournament. Team Mexico announced Friday that outfielder Alek Thomas will be joining the roster, marking his second appearance in the event.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[Adrian]

Thanks to his breakout, Perdomo is now one of the best players at his position. Entering the 2026 season, he is ranked the No. 6 shortstop in MLB.

Diamondbacks’ 2025 Breakout Star Geraldo Perdomo Named No. 6 Shortstop in MLB

Diamondbacks‘ shortstop Geraldo Perdomo has emerged as one of the best shortstops in baseball in 2025. He hit .290 with 20 home runs, 100 RBI, and 27 stolen bases. He finished fourth in the National League MVP race.Thanks to his breakout, Perdomo is now one of the best players at his position...

heavy.com

 

[Adrian]

According to insider Chris Cotillo, switch-hitting former All-Star Carlos Santana is a name the Diamondbacks have pursued in their first base endeavor. Cotillo could not say for certain if a deal was imminent.

Diamondbacks Linked to Former Guardians All-Star

The Arizona Diamondbacks are still in the market for what was described as a "complementary first baseman," and one long-time veteran option has emerged. Accord

www.si.com

 

[Bobster]

Do they think Goldschmidt is too young?

 

[Adrian]

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[Adrian]

One such example was right-hander Shelby Miller, who made his return to Arizona on a minor league deal ahead of Spring Training. And yet, by mid-season, Miller was the Diamondbacks' closer — a move made out of necessity, but not without merit.

How D-backs' Minor League Signing Became Hidden Gem

The Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Shelby Miller As Arizona Diamondbacks On SI continues to break down the individual seasons of every player that contribute

www.si.com

 

[Adrian]

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[Adrian]

“The Diamondbacks have had a rough offseason. So far, their only significant move was to bring back right-hander Merrill Kelly. They traded for Nolan Arenado, whose production has been declining, took a chance on the oft-injured Michael Soroka and added a backup catcher in James McCann. They also traded for a good bullpen arm, righty Josh Grosz, but had to part with speedy outfielder Jake McCarthy in the deal.”

Former MLB GM Gives Harsh Critique of Diamondbacks' Offseason

Jim Bowden released his offseason grades for all 30 MLB teams, with the Arizona Diamondbacks receiving one of the worst grades.

heavy.com

 

[Adrian]

ICYMI

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed right-handed relief pitcher Junior Fernandez to a minor league contract, according to their transaction logs. Fernandez has also received an invitation to big league Spring Training.

Diamondbacks Sign Former Cardinals Reliever

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed right-handed relief pitcher Junior Fernandez to a minor league contract, according to their transaction logs. Fernandez has

www.si.com

 

[Adrian]

Diamondbacks interested in Carlos Santana - Arizona Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks have interest in free agent first baseman Carlos Santana, who would bring veteran leadership and stable defense.

arizonasports.com