On December 8, the Diamondbacks reportedly came to terms with Michael Soroka on a one-year deal. The Canadian worked mostly as a starter last season, between the Cubs and Nationals. Soroka had his high points in 2025 but also dealt with numerous injuries, which limited him to 89.2 total innings pitched at the MLB level.

A Look at Soroka

The Nationals gave former Brave Michael Soroka another shot at the starting rotation in 2025, months after Washington’s former regime signed him to a one-year deal in December. At the time, Soroka was coming off a resurgent run as a reliever, coupled with an increased usage of his four-seam fastball that played up out of the White Sox’s bullpen.

Soroka had a rocky start, though, with the Nationals. He went on the IL after just one start thanks to a biceps strain, one that cost him all of April. He returned in May and pitched rather well in June. That month, Soroka struck out 36 over 28.1 IP for the Nationals.

The Cubs, searching for pitching, traded for Soroka in July. Chicago gave up speedy outfielder Christian Franklin, as well as projectable shortstop Ronny Cruz. But what was more of a curious plot point in that deal was the fact that Soroka’s velocity was waning.

He wound up requiring another IL stint in August, this time a shoulder strain. Soroka returned in mid-September as an exclusive reliever. In the chart above, the velocity clearly spiked upon his return.

As noted earlier, Soroka has reinvented himself over the years. Rather than heavily leaning on his sinker, the pitch he used nearly 50% of the time in his rookie season back in 2019, Soroka has lowered his arm angle in recent years and used the four-seamer more. It’s en vogue with what has become a heightened focus on angling, particularly on fastballs.

Granted, he’ll still use his sinker and changeup. The two-seamer is primarily used against right-handed hitters.

His primary secondary offering is a slurve, which has become a big weapon for him against both left-handed and right-handed hitters.

Soroka doesn’t get a ton of chase or swing-and-miss; he ranked below-average in both categories. Nonetheless, he was good at limiting well-hit contact. His 6.7% Barrel% ranked above the MLB average.

Per ESPN, the Diamondbacks are signing Michael Soroka to a one-year deal.

Analysis

The Diamondbacks walked into the offseason with a clear need for pitching. Heading into the winter, the only three pitchers who could be considered locks for the rotation were Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Ryne Nelson. It’s a very different look for the D-Backs compared to years past.

Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, two key cogs of the rotation for virtually all of the 2020s, are no longer on the roster. Kelly was traded to the Rangers in July, just before he could test the market, while Gallen walked in November. Not to mention, Corbin Burnes underwent UCL reconstruction in the summer and won’t be ready for some time.

If the Diamondbacks want to compete and keep the payroll flexible, a move like this makes sense. Soroka will reportedly make $7.5MM on the deal, which could be good value if he can hold up and pitch 120-130 innings this season.

One of the big problems the Diamondbacks had last season was getting quality starting pitching, aside from Burnes (when healthy), Kelly, and Nelson.

Check out more of our MLB coverage.