Diamondbacks Part Ways with Pitching Strategist Dan Haren

Arizona's pitching infrastructure undergoes changes as team shifts focus to player development

Feb. 25, 2026 at 5:05pm

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have parted ways with former All-Star pitcher Dan Haren, who had served as the team's pitching strategist since 2017. The move is part of a broader shift in the organization's pitching infrastructure, as the Diamondbacks look to focus more on developing their own pitchers' strengths rather than exploiting opponents' weaknesses.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks' pitching struggles in recent seasons have led to changes in the front office and in how they plan to develop their young arms. This shift in approach could have significant implications for the team's pitching staff and their performance going forward.

The details

Major league pitching coach Brian Kaplan and new assistant general manager Jeremy Bleich say the club will focus more on their pitchers' strengths than on trying to exploit hitters' weaknesses. This is a continuation of adjustments made in the second half of last season, with the goal of improving the overall arsenals and execution of the Diamondbacks' pitchers. Sharif Othman, the team's run-prevention coordinator since 2023, will play a key role in the new game-planning process.

  • Dan Haren first rejoined the Diamondbacks' organization nine years ago.
  • Haren has served as the team's pitching strategist since 2017.
  • The Diamondbacks made these changes to their pitching infrastructure in the offseason prior to the 2026 season.

The players

Dan Haren

A former Diamondbacks All-Star pitcher who had been the team's pitching strategist since 2017.

Brian Kaplan

The Diamondbacks' major league pitching coach.

Jeremy Bleich

The Diamondbacks' new assistant general manager, hired in December to revamp the organization's pitching infrastructure.

Sharif Othman

The Diamondbacks' run-prevention coordinator since 2023.

Zack Greinke

A starting pitcher who performed well while using Haren's game plans.

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What they’re saying

“We're not pushing that aside; we have plenty of resources to be very well-prepared for that. But just centering a little more on our own guys and improving the stuff and the execution and just their overall arsenals.”

— Brian Kaplan, Diamondbacks' major league pitching coach (azcentral.com)

“We want to honor hitter weakness and really rely on, anchor ourselves, to our strengths. If we're building enough strength and we're developing pitchers well enough, then we should have a lot more space to anchor down to.”

— Jeremy Bleich, Diamondbacks' assistant general manager (azcentral.com)

“Sharif is more than well-equipped to take it on. Sharif and I spent a lot of time together this offseason kind of talking about ways that we can move it forward — like anything, good or bad, you want to evolve it a little bit.”

— Brian Kaplan, Diamondbacks' major league pitching coach (azcentral.com)

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will implement their new pitching infrastructure and game-planning approach during spring training and the 2026 season, with the goal of improving the performance of their pitching staff.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks' decision to part ways with Dan Haren and shift their pitching strategy reflects a broader organizational focus on player development and building up the strengths of their own pitchers, rather than solely relying on exploiting opponents' weaknesses. This change in approach could have significant implications for the team's pitching staff and their competitiveness in the coming seasons.