Diamondbacks Sign Oft-Injured Pitcher Michael Soroka to Incentive-Laden Deal

Contract could be worth up to $9.5 million in 2026 with a $10 million option for 2027.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:39am

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed pitcher Michael Soroka to a one-year, incentive-laden contract for the 2026 season that could be worth up to $9.5 million. The deal also includes a $10 million mutual option for 2027. Soroka, a former first-round pick of the Atlanta Braves, has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including multiple Achilles tendon tears and forearm issues. He has bounced between starting and relieving roles in recent seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals, and Chicago Cubs.

Why it matters

Soroka was once considered a rising star in the Braves' rotation, but his injury history has derailed his career. The Diamondbacks are taking a chance on Soroka's potential by offering him an incentive-laden deal, which could pay off if he can stay healthy and return to his previous form.

The details

Soroka's contract with the Diamondbacks includes a unique incentive structure. He will earn $250,000 each for reaching 10 and 20 "points," $425,000 each for reaching 30 and 40 points, and an additional $650,000 for reaching 50 points. He will earn two points for every game he starts and one point for every relief appearance. In 2024 and 2025, Soroka accumulated 39 and 34 points respectively, which would have earned him an additional $925,000 under this deal.

  • Soroka made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2018.
  • His 2020 season ended after just three starts due to a torn Achilles tendon.
  • Soroka re-tore the same Achilles tendon in 2021, causing him to miss the entire season.
  • In 2023, Soroka made his return to the mound, but his season was cut short by right forearm inflammation.
  • Soroka signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Washington Nationals for the 2025 season before being traded to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline.

The players

Michael Soroka

A right-handed pitcher who was once considered a rising star in the Atlanta Braves' rotation, but has struggled with injuries throughout his career.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The MLB team that has signed Soroka to a one-year, incentive-laden contract for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Just one more relief appearance last year would have netted him an additional $425,000 under this particular deal construct.”

— Ken Rosenthal, Reporter

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will be hoping that Soroka can stay healthy and reach the incentive thresholds in his contract, which could net him up to $9.5 million for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Soroka's career has been derailed by injuries, but the Diamondbacks are taking a calculated risk by offering him an incentive-laden contract. If he can return to his previous form and stay healthy, the deal could pay off handsomely for both Soroka and the Diamondbacks.