D-backs Expect More Roster Moves Before Spring Training

Team president says club still looking to add at first base and improve pitching.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:55pm

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are not done making moves this offseason, according to team president Derrick Hall. The club has already added starting pitchers Michael Soroka and Merrill Kelly, as well as traded for third baseman Nolan Arenado. However, Hall says the team is still seeking a complementary first baseman and looking to improve the pitching staff, both in the starting rotation and bullpen.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks are coming off a disappointing 2025 season where they missed the playoffs despite having a club-record $195 million Opening Day payroll. With key injuries to players like Corbin Burnes and co-closers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez, the team lost a significant amount of money. As they look to bounce back in 2026, the front office is focused on building a more complete roster to return to the postseason.

The details

General manager Mike Hazen said the team expects to make more additions to the bullpen before Spring Training opens on February 10. The Diamondbacks could look to make a trade to shore up the backend of the bullpen until Puk and Martinez return from elbow surgeries. Hazen also indicated he is open to trading from the team's top prospect pool if the right deal presents itself. Team ownership, led by managing general partner Ken Kendrick, has shown a willingness to exceed the budget when they feel the team has a chance to make the playoffs.

  • The Diamondbacks' Spring Training opens on February 10.
  • Puk could return before the All-Star break, while Martinez could return shortly after.

The players

Mike Hazen

The general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Derrick Hall

The president and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Ken Kendrick

The managing general partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

A.J. Puk

A co-closer for the Diamondbacks who is recovering from elbow surgery.

Justin Martinez

A co-closer for the Diamondbacks who is recovering from elbow surgery.

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What they’re saying

“I think we still have a few moves to make. I'm happy with what we've done so far. Bringing Merrill back was a strong move, and he wanted to be here as well, so that's a perfect fit for both of us. And then the trade for Arenado, I think, made a lot of sense for us. I know we're still trying to find another complementary first baseman, and I think we can still look to improve our pitching, both starting and relievers, but we still have some moves to make. We're not done.”

— Derrick Hall, Team President/CEO (mlb.com)

“We still have some room [in the budget]. But for a big splash, we're probably going to have to get creative, or look to move money if we're going to do something really big. Ken's always been great in saying, 'Let's push the envelope', and that's what we do. I mean we don't go into a season looking to make money, we're either going to break even or lose money, but it's all in an attempt to bring a very competitive team to the field.”

— Derrick Hall, Team President/CEO (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will look to make additional roster moves, including potentially adding a complementary first baseman and improving the pitching staff, before Spring Training opens on February 10.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks are not content with their offseason moves so far, as they continue to look for ways to improve the roster and build a team capable of returning to the playoffs after a disappointing 2025 season. The team's willingness to exceed their budget shows their commitment to fielding a competitive team, even if it means sacrificing short-term financial gains.