It is November 2025 in some other alternate universe where everything else stands exactly as it does now with the only difference being that I am in fact the GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Here is the “Top Secret Offseason Plan” that is sitting on my desk in front of me.

As you may, but probably don’t recall, I did a previous offseason plan article in which I detailed out a decision tree that basically landed on pitching as being the biggest focus of the offseason for me (surprise surprise!). In this article, I wanted to get specific with you all and detail what that plan would actually look like.

First lets set the stage however, according to recent reporting from Nick Piecoro, the Dbacks’ current financial commitments to the 2026 roster currently sits at around $145 million dollars or about $55 million less than their payroll for the 2025 season. There have been multiple reports that payroll is going to be less than it was in 2025, however there is no way of knowing now how much less. In an interview at the GM meetings this week, Mike Hazen addressed the notion that they were going to be cash strapped by saying, “I don’t really feel that way, honestly,” he said. “That’s not the impression I have. Are we going to be doing what we did last offseason? Probably not. But I don’t think I have zero wiggle room or avenues to pursue players.”

So what does that mean? My interpretation is that when he said ‘are we going to be doing what we did last offseason’ he is referring to signing the biggest free agent SP name of the offseason in which they stunned last year with Corbin Burnes. And this makes complete sense as the Dbacks have more holes than last offseason so it really doesn’t make sense for them to tie up so much into a single player.

I also believe that both Hazen and Lovullo’s jobs are on the line in 2026 so they are going to try and be competitive. This is also consistent with messaging from Ken Kendrick saying that he wants to see another World Series Championship in AZ in his time as an owner. One that is certainly fading quickly as Kendrick is 82 years old. This is also consistent with Hazen’s track record of ‘going for it’.

So because time is of the essence and you still have 3 of the best players in the national league, I expect Hazen to use as much of his payroll flexibility as possible so lets for the sake of this exercise say Hazen has $50 million to spend this offseason putting them right up against last season’s payroll. For the sake of this exercise, I am also going to attempt to suggest trade candidates that are at least considered likely to be traded or I can find mentioned in other trade rumors. So without any more delay, here are the moves I am making if I am Mike Hazen!

Well there you have it. According to my rough napkin math I finished within a million dollars of the $50 million dollar budget I set and I was able to boost the bullpen with a proven closer, add one of the more consistent relievers in the game, and add 2 high ceiling back end of the bullpen arms with big league experience. I was also able to fill the 2 rotation spots with veteran presence and a young controllable starter with upside. I was also able to add some defense at first base and left field while adding some pop as well with Walker.

This exercise is far from perfect but it was fun to do and I think this team would be a contender. The limitation of the above is not knowing the exact budget and not knowing how other teams value the Dbacks prospects which is impossible to know. Id like to think they have the prospect capital to achieve the above trades but it is almost impossible to tell. What do you all think?

DH Adrian Del Castillo/Pavin Smith’/Tim Tawa