Arizona Diamondbacks News

Free-agent right-hander Merrill Kelly agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The D-backs traded Kelly to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline in July, but he'll head back to Arizona for the next two years. The 37-year-old veteran will be relied on at the top of the starting rotation again next year, with right-hander Zac Gallen expected to depart in free agency. In 32 total starts in 2025 with Arizona and Texas, he went 12-9 with a 3.52 ERA (3.76 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 167 strikeouts and 48 walks in 184 innings pitched. Kelly has been pretty durable for fantasy managers and displays elite control. He doesn't rely on velocity, but he's still had a decent 22% strikeout rate in his career in seven big-league seasons. Kelly isn't very sexy for fantasy baseball managers, but you could do much worse as a back-end rotation arm.

The Boston Red Sox have a stronger chance than the Toronto Blue Jays to acquire Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, largely because Boston has more MLB-ready starting pitching. The 32-year-old is owed $102.5 million over the next six seasons and is coming off a year where he slashed .283/.376/.517 with 28 home runs and a 145 wRC+. The Red Sox could center a deal around one or both of Payton Tolle and Connelly Early. Tolle impressed in the minors last season, posting a 3.04 ERA, 133 strikeouts, 23 walks, and a 0.99 WHIP across 91 2/3 innings. After a late-summer call-up, he struggled in the majors, recording a 6.06 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP over 16 1/3 innings, but the underlying talent remains evident. Early produced even stronger results. Across AA and AAA, he delivered a 2.60 ERA, 132 strikeouts, and a 1.11 WHIP in 100 1/3 innings. In his brief major-league stint, he was dominant, pitching to a 2.33 ERA with a 36.7% strikeout rate while effectively limiting hard contact. Adding Marte would represent a significant upgrade over Boston's current second baseman, Ceddanne Rafaela, who is better utilized in a super-utility or outfield role.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal writes that a trade of Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte might take time for teams to warm to Arizona's asking price, which one rival executive described as a "superstar-type return." Marte is owed a reasonable $102.5 million over the next six seasons, with $41 million deferred and the payouts not starting until 10 years after the money is earned. Any interested team would need to be comfortable with Marte's clubhouse fit and the acquisition cost. Rosenthal adds that the D-backs might need the market to play out for "clubs to become more desperate." The Boston Red Sox are among the teams interested in the switch-hitter, with three unidentified teams also in the mix. Arizona is seeking young pitching, and trading Marte would allow them to clear payroll and inject talent. After the 10th day of the 2026 season, Marte will gain full no-trade protection, so if he's dealt, it will most likely be before the start of next season.

Free-agent right-hander Michael Soroka has agreed to a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, pending a physical, sources tell Jesse Rogers and Jeff Passan of ESPN. In 2025, Soroka pitched to a 4.52 ERA (3.78 SIERA) with a career-high 25.1% strikeout rate across 89 2/3 innings for the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs. When the 28-year-old first reached the majors, he relied heavily on generating ground balls. But after recovering from multiple injuries, he overhauled his pitch mix and became more of a strikeout-oriented hurler. For fantasy managers, Soroka is a solid late-round dart throw with some upside and will likely be the last pitcher you draft in most leagues.

The Boston Red Sox are among the teams interested in trading for Arizona Diamondbacks superstar second baseman Ketel Marte, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Other teams that could be potential fits for Marte include the Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, and Toronto Blue Jays. Marte has been involved in trade rumors this offseason, but general manager Mike Hazen recently said that it's unlikely Arizona will move the 32-year-old veteran Dominican. The switch-hitting infielder was one of the big reasons why the D-backs were one of the highest-scoring teams in baseball in 2025, as he slashed .283/.376/.517 with an .893 OPS, 28 home runs, 72 RBI, 87 runs, and four steals in 126 games. Marte's 145 wRC+ led all qualified second basemen for the second straight year.

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Friday that they signed free-agent infielder Jacob Amaya to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to major-league spring training. Amaya has a decent glove on the infield, but he can't be counted on for much as a hitter after a rough season with the Chicago White Sox in 2025. The 27-year-old played in only 36 games for the Pale Hose and went 7-for-66 (.106) with no homers, eight RBI, three walks, and 16 strikeouts in 73 plate appearances. He was originally an 11th-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017 out of a high school in Southern California. Amaya's three years in the majors have produced a rough .147/.183/.161 slash line as a hitter with zero home runs, 13 RBI, 12 runs scored, seven walks, and 45 strikeouts in 64 games. Amaya will be competing for a utility infield job in Arizona in spring training.

Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has been rumored as a trade candidate this offseason, but The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro thinks it's more likely that the team's trade options involve outfielders Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy, who are both arbitration-eligible. If the D-backs trade one of Thomas or McCarthy away, they have options to replace them with the likes of Jorge Barrosa, Tim Tawa, Blaze Alexander, and potentially even Jordan Lawlar. For fantasy baseball purposes, McCarthy is the more attractive player, although he played in only 67 games in 2025 and hit .204 (42-for-206) with four home runs, 20 RBI, 18 runs scored, and six stolen bases in his fifth year in the league. If McCarthy were ever to win a full-time job in Arizona or elsewhere, though, his speed would make him interesting in fantasy. McCarthy had three straight 20-steal seasons from 2022-24.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks are "actively listening" to trade offers for All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte this offseason. Morosi adds that he thinks there is at least a "50-50 chance" that Marte gets dealt to a new team for the 2026 season and beyond. No trade is imminent, but "multiple teams have checked in." Among the teams that have checked on Marte's availability are the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays. Marte has a limited no-trade clause, but neither the Phillies nor the Blue Jays are on his list. Toronto could decide to pursue Marte if they are prepared to let star shortstop Bo Bichette walk in free agency. If they were to acquire Marte from Arizona, he would play second base, and Andres Gimenez would slide over to the 6. The Phillies currently have Bryson Stott as their starting second baseman, but Marte would be a clear upgrade.

Arizona Diamondbacks executive vice president and general manager Mike Hazen said on Tuesday in Las Vegas at the GM meetings that "it's mostly unlikely" that the team will trade All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte this offseason, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale reported on Monday that the D-backs are motivated to trade Marte this offseason, but Hazen at least did a good job of deflecting that rumor a day later. The 32-year-old Marte will have 10-and-5 rights and a full no-trade provision by mid-April, so if a trade does occur, it will no doubt come before then. Marte has $71 million remaining on his contract through 2030, so the Snakes will surely have an extremely high asking price for any teams that come calling. He has become one of the best second basemen in baseball since the start of the 2023 season and has totaled 89 homers and 249 RBI in that span.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are "definitely motivated in moving" All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte with $71 million remaining on his contract through 2030, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. The Diamondbacks will obviously be asking for a lot in return. If Arizona doesn't trade Marte by the middle of April in 2026, he will have 10-and-5 rights and a full no-trade provision. Plenty of MLB teams should be interested in the 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican infielder, but it remains to be seen if anyone will meet the D-backs' lofty asking price. Marte has been an All-Star each of the last two seasons and has been one of, if not the best, all-around second baseman in the game. Since the start of the 2023 campaign, Marte has a combined .283/.368/.519 slash line, .887 OPS, 89 home runs, 249 RBI, 274 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases in 412 regular-season games. If Marte is going to be traded, it will most likely come this offseason.

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Jordan Lawlar is expected to switch positions this upcoming season. He came up as a shortstop, but that position is currently held by Geraldo Perdomo. The D-Backs attempted to put Lawlar at third base this past season, but he struggled defensively. The 23-year-old is at the point in his development where he should be contributing everyday at the MLB level. He has struggled during his brief time in the MLB, but hasn't been given a long look yet. Lawlar is set to play both third base and center field during winter ball this month. It'll be interesting to see which position he ends up settling in ahead of the 2026 season.

Arizona Diamondbacks first base prospect Tyler Locklear (elbow, shoulder) will have surgeries on both his elbow and shoulder on Oct. 16 after he was involved in a collision in early September, a source told The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro. It's a worst-case scenario for the young first baseman after he joined the Snakes at midseason in the trade that sent Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners in July. Locklear suffered a torn ligament in his left elbow and also needs the labrum in his left shoulder fixed. The good news is that both injuries are to his non-throwing arm. The bad news is that Locklear probably will not be ready to go for the start of the 2026 regular season. The D-backs are hoping that he will make it back at some point next year, but there's no current timetable on when that might be. The 24-year-old played in only 31 big-league games in Arizona after the trade and struggled before his injury, going 18-for-103 (.175) with three homers and 43 strikeouts.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Corbin Burnes (elbow) said that his target for a return is the All-Star break next season, according to Cameron Cox. Burnes added that he will throw normal bullpen sessions in spring training and is confident that things will line up for him to return around midseason in 2026. The 30-year-old made only 11 starts with the D-backs in 2025 in his first year with the team before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June. Before his right-elbow injury, he was his normal dominant self, going 3-2 with a 2.66 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 63:26 K:BB in 64 1/3 innings over 11 starts. The four-time All-Star will be in play for around half a season's worth of starts for fantasy managers next year, so temper expectations, depending on how his rehab goes in the first half of the year. Burnes signed a big six-year, $210 million deal with Arizona last December to be their ace going forward.

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte is out of the lineup on Saturday against the San Diego Padres. It'll be the first day off since Sept. 12 for Marte, who has gone 12-for-30 with two homers, five RBI, and seven runs scored during a seven-game hitting streak. The three-time All-Star has slashed .283/.376/.512 with 27 HRs, 71 RBI, 86 runs, and four stolen bases in 125 games and 553 plate appearances this year. With Marte on the bench on Saturday, Connor Kaiser will play second and hit ninth against right-hander Michael King.

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll isn't in the starting lineup against the San Diego Padres on Saturday. Jorge Barrosa will fill in for Carroll in right field and bat eighth in a meeting with right-hander Michael King. With the Diamondbacks out of playoff contention, Carroll will finally get a night off for the first time since July 11. That ends a 65-game streak in which he either lined up in the outfield or served as the Diamondbacks' designated hitter. The newly minted 30-30 club member has played 143 games this season and slashed .259/.343/.541 with 31 homers, 32 stolen bases, 84 RBI, and 107 runs scored over 642 plate appearances.

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll became the first 30-30 player in franchise history in a 9-2 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. Carroll launched his 31st homer, a three-run, 428-foot shot against left-hander Ranger Suarez, and stole his 30th base during a 2-for-5 afternoon. The 25-year-old star added a double and finished with four RBI. While Carroll has only gone yard twice in 18 games this month, he has chipped in nine steals, 12 RBI, and 14 runs scored to continue an outstanding season. Across 624 trips to the plate this year, Carroll has slashed .260/.340/.546 with 79 extra-base hits, 83 RBI, and 106 runs.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Austin Pope was called up from Triple-A Reno on Sunday for what will be his major league debut whenever he enters a game. The 26-year-old missed the first half of the season rehabbing from knee surgery, but has been active at Triple-A since the beginning of July. The right-hander posted a 4.60 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and an 18.8 percent K-BB% in 26 appearances (25 in relief). The 6-foot-3 hurler will fill a middle relief role for the big league squad, and with a .288 opponent batting average against at Triple-A, along with no chance for saves, the former 15th-round draft pick is off the fantasy radar as the season winds down.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Philip Abner has been called up from Triple-A Reno for what will be his major league debut whenever he enters a game. The 23-year-old began the season at High-A and earned a promotion to Double-A in mid-May, then made it to Triple-A at the end of August. The former sixth-round draft pick has pitched well overall, but has been impressive at Triple-A, not having allowed a run and just two hits with an 11:3 K:BB in 8 1/3 innings pitched in relief. The southpaw will likely join the D-backs in a middle relief role, however, that won't help fantasy managers much, and as such, he should be left on the waiver wire.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said the team will go with a four-man starting rotation for the rest of the season, which means right-hander Nabil Crismatt will pitch out of the bullpen the rest of the way, according to Alex D'Agostino of SI.com. Crismatt surprisingly held his own as a member of Arizona's rotation in the second half of the season after being called up from Triple-A Reno on Aug. 17. The 30-year-old native of Columbia has made six appearances (five starts) for the D-backs and has posted a solid 2.70 ERA (3.85 FIP) and 1.27 WHIP with 21 strikeouts and seven walks in 30 innings pitched while going 3-0. Crismatt was a bit fortunate to have an ERA under 3.00, but he'll attempt to continue pitching well out of the bullpen as Arizona tries to sneak into the final wild-card spot in the National League the last two weeks of the season.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen has had a disappointing season, but he has looked much better in his last few outings, and has done a good job establishing his value before becoming a free agent this offseason. Gallen allowed just two hits and one run to the Giants on Monday night, striking out six in six innings. He is 12-14 on the season with a 4.73 ERA and 4.51 FIP, but he has been much better over his last handful of outings, going 3-1 with a 2.05 ERA and 3.41 FIP, while striking out 29 batters in 30 2/3 innings. Gallen will be a fascinating free agent to watch, but before he hits the open market, he'll probably make two more starts this season, with his next outing scheduled to be in a tough home mtachup on Sunday afternoon against the Phillies.