Diamondbacks are in the driver's seat on this free agent arm

After making the World Series during the 2023 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks have failed to make the postseason since then. They are coming off an 80-82 record, and the fanbase would love for this team to contend in 2026. 

To do this, they had to fill some holes, and they have done just that. They signed Merrill Kelly, Carlos Santana, and Michael Soroka. However, their biggest splash came when they acquired Nolan Arenado in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

With the addition of Arenado, it is likely Ketel Marte will escape the trade block. Arizona has a team that could certainly put the pressure on the rest of the clubs in the NL West. 

MORE: Diamondbacks pitcher tagged as a huge 'x-factor' after signing extension last year

Diamondbacks are in the driver's seat on this free agent arm

One player Arizona will be without to start the season is Corbin Burnes. He underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL in June and will still be rehabbing when Opening Day rolls along. 

And while the club does have a starting rotation they could roll out, they could still use a top-of-the-line starter to make things easier on everyone. 

Luckily for them, there are still some great options on the open market. Framber Valdez is still waiting for his next opportunity, and so is Zac Gallen. 

Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly believes Arizona is the best option for Gallen if he is willing to take a paycut. 

"Gallen would likely have to accept quite a bit less than he would have gotten on the qualifying offer, but returning to the Snakes and trying to recapture the form that saw him post consecutive top-five finishes in NL Cy Young Award voting in 2022 and 2023 is probably his best course of action."

It probably would have been better if Gallen accepted his qualifying offer, but hindsight is 20/20. He could return to an organization he is comfortable with, lead that rotation, and return to the open market next season with hopefully better results.

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