Former Cubs Pitcher Dominates in Diamondbacks Debut

Michael Soroka, who the Cubs traded for at the 2025 deadline, shines in his first start with Arizona.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the powerful motion and energy of a baseball pitcher delivering an immaculate inning, with the pitcher's form dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.Soroka's dominant debut with the Diamondbacks showcases the talent that made him a former first-round pick.Chicago Today

In his first start with the Arizona Diamondbacks, former Chicago Cubs pitcher Michael Soroka delivered a dominant performance, throwing five scoreless innings and striking out 10 batters, including an immaculate inning against the Detroit Tigers.

Why it matters

Soroka's impressive debut highlights the Cubs' decision to let him walk in free agency after the 2025 season, as the team was unable to re-sign the talented right-hander despite acquiring him at the trade deadline. His performance shows the potential he still has when healthy.

The details

Soroka, a former first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves, had a mediocre 2025 season with the Nationals before being traded to the Cubs at the deadline. Although he looked impressive in limited action with Chicago, the team was not willing to spend as much money on him in free agency as other suitors. Soroka ended up signing a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks, with the potential to earn $9.5 million based on incentives.

  • Soroka was traded to the Cubs at the 2025 trade deadline.
  • Soroka made just six appearances with the Cubs from the midway point to the end of the 2025 season, posting a 1.08 ERA in 8 1/3 innings of work.
  • Soroka signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks in free agency following the 2025 season.
  • Soroka made his Diamondbacks debut on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Michael Soroka

A right-handed starting pitcher who was a former first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves. He had a mediocre 2025 season with the Nationals before being traded to the Cubs at the deadline, and is now making his debut with the Diamondbacks on a one-year contract.

Justin Verlander

The veteran right-handed starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, who Soroka opposed in his Diamondbacks debut.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If Soroka can stay healthy, his performance with the Diamondbacks could lead to a bigger contract in the future, either with Arizona or another team.

The takeaway

The Cubs' decision to let Soroka walk in free agency after acquiring him at the 2025 trade deadline is looking questionable, as the talented right-hander has shown he can still dominate when healthy. This debut performance with the Diamondbacks is a reminder of the potential Soroka possesses.