2025-26 MLB Offseason Recap: Arizona Diamondbacks

What was old is new for the Diamondbacks in 2026. After missing out on the playoffs for the second straight season, the D-Backs pulled the trigger to add Nolan Arenado, one of several notable additions made by Arizona over the winter.

Additions

The big one on this list is Nolan Arenado, the former All-Star who will look to find his groove in Arizona. The Diamondbacks acquired him in a trade with the Cardinals in January.

Arenado’s final three seasons with St. Louis saw his offensive numbers slowly creep downward. One would like to think that with added protection, things will open up for the veteran third baseman. And if there’s one thing that Arenado proved he can still do, it’s to hit the fastball, particularly ones over the middle and up.

Aside from Arenado, the Diamondbacks had several reunions over the winter. Paul Sewald re-signed with the team and will look to be a solution in the late innings as Arizona navigates things without Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk. And Merrill Kelly, a stalwart of the rotation for years until July 2025, went back home.

Michael Soroka, who pitched well as a starter last season thanks in part to some arsenal tweaks, signed with Arizona as additional rotation reinforcements.

Taylor Clarke, another former D-Backs, is also back with the organization that drafted him a decade ago.

Losses

Not a very lengthy list here.

This is partially due to the D-Backs dealing with business last summer. Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor were due to test the market in 2025. Both were traded to Seattle in the summer of last year.

The Diamondbacks didn’t lose Zac Gallen, who went to free agency this past winter and rejected his qualifying offer. Galen ultimately took a one-year deal to re-sign for roughly the same amount of money he turned down in November, giving him a chance to re-test the market after what was a less-than-stellar 2025 season.

Arizona traded away reliever Kyle Backhus (Phillies) and Jake McCarthy (Rockies). The McCarthy deal dealt with multiple problems, as Arizona moved on from an outfielder who may not have made the team out of camp. Plus, it also means more of an opportunity for now-outfielder Jordan Lawlar.

Jalen Beeks signed with the Rangers.

Overview

It wasn’t a massive offseason by any means. However, the Diamondbacks came into the winter with a strong offense and in need of pitching, plus a stable third baseman.

The Arizona front office addressed both fronts in the winter. Provided those players become steady performers, it’ll be up to Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and company to do their job and push the Diamondbacks back into playoff contention.

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