Six weeks into the 2025-26 MLB offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks have prioritized strengthening their pitching rotation. With Corbin Burnes sidelined early in 2026 due to Tommy John surgery recovery, the team bolstered their rotation by acquiring Michael Soroka and re-signing Merrill Kelly. Alongside Ryne Nelson, Brandon Fuhrt, and Eduardo Rodriguez, Soroka and Kelly will form the starting five, while Yilvar Diaz and Cristian Mena have shown potential as candidates.
General manager Mike Hazen confirmed they are exploring both trade and free agent options for further improvements. The Diamondbacks also face challenges in upgrading their bullpen, which was among the weakest in MLB in 2025, and addressing uncertainties in the infield. Star second baseman Ketel Marte has been linked to trade rumors, and the third base position remains uncertain, fueling speculation about Arizona’s pursuit of free agent Alex Bregman.
Arizona has a history of making surprising, impactful free agent signings, such as last offseason’s signing of Barnes and previously Madison Bumgarner and Zack Greinke. Bregman, 31, would solve the third base gap left after Eugenio Suarez was traded in 2025, and his local ties to the Phoenix area offer a unique advantage for the D-backs to attract and retain talent. Bregman was ranked as the second-best free agent of this offseason behind Kyle Tucker, boasting solid performance metrics including a 90% zone contact rate and 90 mph average exit velocity.
While Bregman has been linked most closely to the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets, rumors also tie him to teams like the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies, with the potential for a surprise team emergence given his agent Scott Boras’s influence. Despite finishing 80-82 in 2025, Arizona’s strong finish suggests they could compete for a wild card spot in 2026, although overtaking the two-time World Series champion Los Angeles for the division is unlikely.
The possibility of signing Bregman raises questions about Marte’s future, as reports suggest Arizona would need to trade Marte to afford Bregman, primarily for financial reasons. Marte, set to earn $15 million in 2026, holds full no-trade rights starting shortly after the season begins, making this offseason the final opportunity for a trade. Trading Marte would free up salary space and could bring additional young talent, crucial for Arizona’s roster development. Marte has also reportedly caused some clubhouse tension, which could influence management’s decision.
Jordan Lawler, a former top prospect, is currently projected to start at third base but might not be blocked by Bregman due to his versatility and limited MLB success so far. Lawler struggled offensively in a small sample size last season and was not seen as ready for a full-time major league role, thus he likely won’t be a major factor in the decision to sign Bregman or trade Marte.
Analyzing the impact, Marte remains the superior player compared to Bregman, with better recent performances and more cost-effective contracts. However, trading Marte could bring valuable returns, and any bullpen improvements combined with additions like Bregman might position the D-backs to be viable contenders. The relationship between on-field talent and clubhouse harmony will be a key factor moving forward.
Projecting into 2026, FanGraphs rates the D-backs roster as 19th best, with expectations that upgrades to the bullpen and potential deals like the Bregman trade would significantly strengthen the team. While Bregman alone might not turn Arizona into an unquestioned contender, combining his signing with strategic trades and bullpen upgrades could pave the way for a competitive future.
Fan Take: This potential signing and roster shakeup signal a pivotal moment for the Diamondbacks, showing their readiness to invest in high-profile talent and retool for contention. For baseball fans, it highlights the importance of balancing star power with team chemistry and payroll management, shaping how mid-market teams build sustainable success in the modern era.
