With the Arizona Diamondbacks fielding calls for more of their players ahead of the trade deadline, a question has come up in comment sections.

Can the Diamondbacks re-sign any of the players they trade away at the trade deadline this upcoming offseason?

The answer is yes, there is no rule against it and there have been several examples throughout MLB history.

Just this past offseason, the Detroit Tigers reunited with starting pitcher Jack Flaherty after sending him to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the previous deadline. Flaherty won a World Series in L.A., while the Tigers made a surprise postseason run. Flaherty signed a two-year, $35 million deal to return to Detroit, which leads the American League Central.

For the Diamondbacks this week, pitcher Merrill Kelly, pitcher Zac Gallen and third baseman Eugenio Suarez are three of the main characters ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. They are veterans on the last year of their respective contracts who could potentially help a contending team.

The D-backs hoped to stave off having to sell pieces, but their struggles to remain competitive in the National League postseason picture has led to the start a sell-off with Josh Naylor and Randal Grichuk traded away.

Suarez, Gallen and Kelly have been open about not wanting to be traded, and Kelly went on the record with SI’s Jack Sommers about being amenable to returning to Arizona if he does get traded.

Examples of MLB teams trading a player and then re-signing them

The New York Yankees traded flamethrowing reliever Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs for a prospect package centered around infielder Gleyber Torres at the 2016 deadline. Chapman played a sizable role in Chicago’s World Series run, and he signed back with the Yankees the following winter. New York, with Chapman as the closer, made the ALCS in 2017, and Torres made the All-Star team as a rookie in 2018.

At the 1993 trade deadline, the Oakland Athletics traded franchise icon Rickey Henderson to the Toronto Blue Jays, who went on to win the World Series. Henderson signed back with Oakland after hitting free agency that winter, the second time in his career he rejoined the A’s after they traded him. Oakland dealt Henderson to the Yankees after the 1984 season, and New York sent him back at the 1989 deadline. The Athletics won the World Series in 1989.

A few more examples:

2025: Reliever Yimi Garcia was traded from Toronto to Seattle at the 2024 deadline and return to Toronto the following offseason
2018: Outfielder Jay Bruce signed back with the Mets after being shipped to Cleveland in August 2017
2016: Infielder Kelly Johnson re-signed with Atlanta after the Braves traded him to the Mets at the 2015 deadline
2015: Pitcher Jason Hammel returned to the Cubs after getting dealt to Oakland at the 2014 deadline

Cy Young winner Cliff Lee had a bit of a different experience having been traded by Philadelphia in the offseason ahead of 2010 and re-signing with the Phillies the following winter.

So, quick returns happen from time-to-time, and while they are not common, it is at least a possibility for the Diamondbacks if they continue to sell.

At the same time, it is not a guarantee.

Teams that trade for expiring contracts have first rights at negotiating once the offseason begins, as well as the ability to present a qualifying offer. If a player declines the qualifying offer and signs with Arizona, the D-backs would forfeit a draft pick.

What if a team wins the World Series and is all-in on running it back?

The money also has to be right. This is going to be Kelly’s prime opportunity to cash in as a 37-year-old free agent. Suarez is 34, and what if he gets an offer similar to Christian Walker’s three years, $60 million last winter? Gallen’s free agent market will be fascinating given his pedigree, age (30) and a lackluster 2025 season he’s had.

The Diamondbacks will face adversity next season with ace Corbin Burnes and relievers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez recovering from Tommy John surgeries that will take them out for at least the first half of the year.

At the same time, there are plenty of pieces to compete with, particularly on offense with Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, Ketel Marte and Gabriel Moreno spearheading the group.

Upgrading the roster for 2026 could make a reunion attractive.