The Diamondbacks’ decision to sell at the trade deadline not only netted them nine prospects, it also saved them more than $17 million in salary commitments. Those savings will be put to use, Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall said.
“We had those conversations — the money we saved, we can reinvest into the product for next year,” Hall said. “We’re going to have to because we’re still going to have so many guys on the IL. We’re going to have to do some work on the roster.
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“Do I think we need to have the payroll number where it was this year? Probably not. But I think we can have just as good a team as we constructed by reinvesting the money that we have (saved) and then some.”
The Diamondbacks entered this season with a club-record payroll in the range of $200 million. With it came high expectations of a club that could not only make the playoffs but be positioned to make another deep run in October.
Those hopes were officially dashed at the deadline, though they took major hits earlier in the season when a slew of the club’s top pitchers went down with injuries, including right-hander Corbin Burnes and relievers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez. All three underwent season-ending elbow surgeries that could sideline them for some or all of next season, as well.
“I think we did what we had to do (at the deadline),” Hall said. “Disappointing to have to be sellers and move guys with expiring contracts, but I feel like we waited as long as we could before making that decision.”
Arizona Diamondbacks CEO and President Derrick Hall with managing general partner Ken Kendrick left hold their annual news conference during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Feb. 17, 2025, in Scottsdale.
The potential hit that a sell-off could have on attendance “does factor in” when the club decided what to do at the deadline, but the organization did what it felt was best for the future of the club, Hall said.
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“Our attendance was real strong for most of the year,” Hall said. “And I think this brings concern, but then again it brings opportunity for fans to see new players, a new product for the rest of the year.”
Hall expects payroll to come down from this year’s levels, though he did not offer a specific number. The club’s spending is often unpredictable anyway; last winter, for example, the team spent more than expected because owner Ken Kendrick unexpectedly authorized the signing of Burnes to a six-year, $210 million deal.
The Diamondbacks will have more than $70 million coming off the books in expiring contracts. That includes several players who were dealt ahead of the July 31 deadline. However, other players, including right fielder Corbin Carroll and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, are in line for substantial raises, but Hall still expects the club will have the payroll space to be active in free agency.
For a team that will have needs in the rotation, bullpen and — depending on how some of their young players perform — perhaps at first base and third base, every bit of payroll flexibility could be meaningful.
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“I think (general manager) Mike (Hazen) will continue to be aggressive in the offseason talking to other clubs, too,” Hall said. “I think trade and free agency, we’ll improve the team.”
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks’ Derrick Hall says money saved will be ‘reinvested’