Key Offseason Changes
Nolan Arenado Acquired from Cardinals
Eight-time All-Star brings elite defense and veteran bat. D-backs owe $11M of remaining $42M on contract. Jack Martinez to STL.
Merrill Kelly Returns (2-year, $40M)
After being dealt to Texas at the trade deadline, Kelly comes home to anchor the rotation. Veteran stability critical for young staff.
Michael Soroka Signed (1-year deal)
Former All-Star seeking comeback after multiple Achilles surgeries. Low-risk, high-upside rotation depth addition.
James McCann Signed (1-year, $2.75M)
Veteran backup catcher behind Gabriel Moreno. Experienced game-caller for young pitching staff.
Jake McCarthy Traded to Rockies
Speed-first outfielder dealt for RHP Josh Grosz. Opens playing time for younger corner outfielders.
Bullpen Injuries Mount
A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez both had UCL surgery. Kevin Ginkel on 60-day IL. Bullpen in flux entering 2026.
Projected Starting Lineup
| Order | Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CF | Corbin Carroll | 2023 ROY looking to bounce back |
| 2 | 2B | Ketel Marte | All-Star caliber bat, elite hitter |
| 3 | 3B | Nolan Arenado | Eight-time All-Star, elite defense |
| 4 | LF | Lourdes Gurriel Jr. | Moves to corner OF with Arenado |
| 5 | C | Gabriel Moreno | Young star catcher, offensive upside |
| 6 | 1B | Pavin Smith | On 60-day IL, expected back early |
| 7 | RF | Adrian Del Castillo | Young power bat gets opportunity |
| 8 | SS | Geraldo Perdomo | Elite defender, contact-oriented |
| 9 | OF | Alek Thomas | Young outfielder, plus defense and speed |
Projected Starting Rotation
| Slot | Pitcher | Throws | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merrill Kelly | RHP | Veteran ace returns on 2yr/$40M |
| 2 | Eduardo Rodriguez | LHP | Lefty innings eater, experience |
| 3 | Brandon Pfaadt | RHP | Young arm developing into mid-rotation |
| 4 | Ryne Nelson | RHP | Ground ball pitcher, needs refinement |
| 5 | Michael Soroka | RHP | Comeback bid after multiple surgeries |
Bullpen & Closer Situation
The Diamondbacks bullpen is in transition after multiple key injuries. A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez both underwent UCL surgery, while Kevin Ginkel starts the season on the 60-day IL. The team finished 2025 with a 4.82 bullpen ERA, better than only three other teams. Closer role is unsettled with Ginkel's health uncertain.
| Role | Pitcher | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CL | Kevin Ginkel | 60-day IL to start, closer role when healthy |
| SU | Ryan Thompson | Could see closing chances early |
| SU | Drey Jameson | Former starter, high-octane reliever |
| MID | Juan Morillo | Power arm in middle relief |
| MID | Andrew Saalfrank | Lefty specialist option |
| LR | Brandyn Garcia | Long relief, bulk innings role |
Prop Betting Angles
After a disappointing sophomore campaign, Carroll's season stat props (HRs, SBs, hits) could be set conservatively. The 2023 ROY showed star potential and at 25, a regression to his elite rookie form makes overs interesting at discounted lines. Watch for 20+ HR and 30+ SB potential.
Marte remains one of the most underrated hitters in baseball. His consistent contact ability (.310+ hitter) makes nightly hits overs attractive. In a lineup now featuring Arenado behind him, expect more RBI opportunities and counting stat production.
After declining numbers in St. Louis, Arenado's props will be set lower than his career norms. The move to hitter-friendly Chase Field could spark a renaissance. Target RBI overs and over season home run totals if lines are deflated from his down 2025.
Moreno flashed star potential in 2024 before injuries. With a full healthy season, he could emerge as a top-5 catcher offensively. Season-long over on average and hits props could pay off, especially if lines haven't caught up to his development.
Kelly's return gives prop bettors a reliable option. His 5-6 K range offers consistent nightly value. At 37, he won't blow away hitters, but his crafty approach yields predictable outcomes for strikeout props.
If Soroka returns to even 75% of his 2019 All-Star form, his props will be severely undervalued. High-risk but potentially massive reward on strikeout and win props if healthy. Monitor spring training closely.