D-backs Offseason Checklist: Six Moves Arizona Needs to Make to Get Back on Track
The Arizona Diamondbacks are staring down a pivotal offseason, and there’s no sugarcoating it - there’s work to be done. After a 2025 season that started with hope and ended with a thud, the D-backs are left trying to piece together a roster that can compete in 2026. Injuries gutted the pitching staff, the trade deadline sent key contributors packing, and despite a strong September, the team finished well short of expectations.
Now, with the MLB Winter Meetings just around the corner, it’s time for GM Mike Hazen and his front office to get aggressive. Arizona has been quiet so far, save for one under-the-radar but important signing. But if this team wants to avoid another frustrating season, they’ll need to start checking boxes - fast.
Let’s break down exactly what Arizona needs to do this winter, in order of priority.
1. Starting Pitching (Two Arms, Minimum)
This is where it starts - and where it absolutely has to start.
Arizona’s rotation posted a 4.29 ERA in 2025, ranking 20th in the majors. And that was with Ryne Nelson turning in a quietly strong season with a 3.39 ERA. Now, with Corbin Burnes sidelined until at least mid-July and both Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly unlikely to return, the D-backs are looking at a rotation that’s dangerously thin.
Cristian Mena and Bryce Jarvis are intriguing young arms, but asking them to shoulder the SP4 and SP5 roles from Day 1 is a gamble - especially if the top of the rotation isn’t solidified. Arizona needs to add two legitimate starters, whether that means swinging big in a trade for an ace or finding reliable innings-eaters on short-term deals.
Either way, this rotation needs reinforcements. Badly.
2. Closer
The Diamondbacks’ bullpen had its moments last year, but the ninth inning was often a guessing game. With A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez both rehabbing injuries, there’s no clear option to lock down the final three outs.
This is where a short-term veteran signing could bring real value. Someone who’s been there, done that, and can stabilize the back end while the younger arms get healthy - or prove themselves. It doesn’t need to be a long-term solution, just a dependable one.
3. Setup Man
Even beyond the closer role, the bullpen needs some shoring up. Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson weren’t quite as sharp in 2025 as they were the year prior, and while Andrew Saalfrank has shown flashes, he’s not someone you want to lean on in high-leverage spots just yet.
Adding another experienced arm who can handle the seventh or eighth inning - and maybe even close in a pinch - would go a long way in restoring some order to Arizona’s relief corps. Depth matters, especially when the rotation is already a question mark.
4. First Base Help
Arizona’s first base situation is murky at best. Tyler Locklear is recovering from surgeries on both his elbow and shoulder, and Pavin Smith is coming off a disappointing season. After Josh Naylor was dealt at the deadline, the D-backs’ production at first base fell off a cliff - their .560 OPS from August 1 on was dead last in the majors.
This is a spot where Arizona needs to get creative. A reunion with Paul Goldschmidt could make sense in a platoon with Smith, or the front office could target an everyday bat to take over the position entirely. Either way, they can’t afford to roll the dice on internal options alone.
5. Backup Catcher ✅
One box already checked - and it’s a meaningful one.
Arizona brought back veteran catcher James McCann on a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million. It’s a smart move.
McCann offers a steady presence behind the plate, especially important given Gabriel Moreno’s injury history. He also worked well with the pitching staff last year, providing a calming influence during some rocky stretches.
This signing won’t make headlines, but it’s the kind of move that helps stabilize a roster.
6. Right-Handed Outfield Bat
With Lourdes Gurriel Jr. recovering from a torn ACL and Randal Grichuk traded to Kansas City at the deadline, the D-backs are thin on right-handed outfield options. Corbin Carroll remains a star, but there’s a serious power shortage in the outfield.
Right now, the only right-handed options are Jorge Barrosa - a switch-hitter with limited pop - and super-utility man Tim Tawa. It’s possible someone like Blaze Alexander or Jordan Lawlar could see time out there, but Arizona would be wise to bring in a right-handed bat with some thump. Doesn’t need to be a cleanup hitter - just someone who can lengthen the lineup and provide some punch from the right side.
Quick Hits Around Arizona Sports
- Dalton Johnson, senior DB for the Wildcats, earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second straight week after a standout performance in the Territorial Cup. He posted three tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception in the rivalry win.
- Arizona Men’s Basketball held steady at No. 2 in the latest AP Poll, continuing their strong start to the season.
- Kyler Murray remains on injured reserve, and according to head coach Jonathan Gannon, his practice window hasn’t been opened yet. The Cardinals QB is still working through a foot injury that’s kept him out since Week 5.
- Suns Take Down the Lakers: Phoenix rolled over the Lakers in a statement win, with Dillon Brooks dropping 33 points and Collin Gillespie catching fire from deep - hitting eight threes on his way to 28 points. It was one of those nights where everything clicked… until it didn’t.
Devin Booker left the game early with a groin injury and didn’t return. The team will be holding its breath for an update.
The D-backs have plenty of holes to fill - but also a real opportunity to reset and reload. With the Winter Meetings just days away, the clock is ticking. If Arizona can check off even a few of the top items on this list, they’ll be in a much better place heading into 2026.