Arizona wants to add a controllable starting pitcher, with a trade more likely than a major free-agent investment as the club plans to cut payroll. The rotation needs more strikeouts and added depth, particularly with Michael Soroka’s future uncertain and Corbin Burnes potentially facing an innings limit.

By the Numbers
  • Diamondbacks starters posted a 4.28 ERA and a 9.6% strikeout-minus-walk rate.
  • Eduardo Rodriguez recorded a 2.89 ERA across 32 starts.
  • Zac Gallen finished with a 6.07 ERA and a 13.6% strikeout rate in 105⅓ innings.
  • Yankees starter Will Warren had a 23.3% strikeout rate and is controlled through 2030.
Yes, But

Arizona has possible trade chips in right-handed-hitting outfielders Jordan Lawlar and Ryan Waldschmidt, but neither is likely to land a controllable starter alone. The team also has other needs—including the bullpen, first base and left-handed hitting—and must weigh those against the cost of retaining Soroka or acquiring rotation help.

State of Play
  • The projected 2027 rotation includes Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Burnes, Merrill Kelly and Ryne Nelson.
  • Soroka could return, but he can become a free agent by declining a $10 million mutual option.
  • Potential trade targets include Seattle’s Bryce Miller or Bryan Woo, the Angels’ Reid Detmers, and Yankees’ Warren or Ryan Weathers.
What's Next

Arizona is likely to explore trades, potentially packaging young outfielders with mid-tier prospects. Miller may be more attainable than Woo after a rough stretch, while Warren offers strikeout ability and years of team control.

Bottom Line

The Diamondbacks need more than a reliable arm: they need strikeouts and enough depth to cover potential regression and Burnes’ workload. With payroll expected to shrink, a carefully targeted trade may be their clearest path to strengthening the rotation.