Yet again, the Diamondbacks came up just short of making the playoffs in 2026. Now, the good news for D-Backs fans is that the club should be competitive whenever the 2027 season begins. However, holes on the Arizona roster still exist.

Biggest needs for D-Backs

Much like a lot of other teams, the Diamondbacks need pitching.

The good news is that the D-Backs’ bullpen, by and large, is fine. Thanks to the emergence of Brandyn Garcia, Juan Morillo, and the return of Justin Martinez, that back end of the bullpen should be fine. But like many competitors, depth help would make sense, especially since Jonathan Loaisiga went to free agency.

Now, would a starter make sense here, too? Sure. The question, though, is how much would the Diamondbacks reasonably pay for a back-end starter to fill out that rotation. As of now, Arizona’s 2027 rotation tentatively includes Corbin Burnes, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Merrill Kelly, plus a wide cast of characters (Ryne Nelson, Mitch Bratt, etc.) to take that last spot.

Arizona could, realistically, let that battle play out internally. Otherwise, a depth/MiLB deal add makes sense.

Aside from a starter, a first baseman would make a lot of sense. Since Christian Walker left after the 2024 campaign, Arizona has gone through a revolving door of first basemen, including utilityman Ildemaro Vargas and now-free agent Pavin Smith.

Vargas was the hot hand that the D-Backs rolled with for April. But once May hit, the veteran utilityman came back to ground. From May 1 onward, Vargas slashed just .223/.274/.300 (.574 OPS) in 119 games.

That is the one big hole for a Diamondbacks lineup that, as of now, tentatively includes Gabriel Moreno, Nolan Arenado, Geraldo Perdomo, Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, Jordan Lawlar, and Lars Nootbaar.

We write tentatively for good reason, as Marte’s name has been in the trade rumor mill for the better part of two years.

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