PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks have made another offseason move, one that continues to add to their pitching staff.
Arizona Diamondbacks Blaze Alexander (9) celebrates his RBI single against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field on Aug. 10, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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According to MLB insider Robert Murray, the D-Backs are sending Blaze Alexander to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed pitcher Kade Strowd and two minor league prospects — right-hander Wellington Aracena and infielder José Mejía.
Alexander made his major league debut in 2024 and spent time as a utility player for Arizona during the latter half of 2025. Though his .230 batting average and .706 OPS, with seven home runs and 28 RBIs last season, were modest, his defensive versatility made him a valuable roster piece as the team navigated trades and injuries.
Sep 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kade Strowd (57) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
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The trade also provides Arizona with much-needed pitching depth. The addition of Strowd, who already has major league experience, bolsters a bullpen that struggled with injuries last year. He posted a 1.71 ERA over 26.1 innings, striking out 24.
Aracena and Mejía have high ceilings in the minors, giving the Diamondbacks promising long-term options.
With injuries and trades throughout 2025, the D-Backs have been forced to reconstruct their roster to remain competitive in the division. Pitching depth is one of the keys to competing in the National League West, even if it means exchanging a young bat to do so.
Sep 10, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Blaze Alexander (9) makes a diving catch for a line drive by San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
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Many Diamondbacks fans have mixed feelings about the move, with many surprised that Alexander will no longer be in the Valley.
While the trade may have been unexpected, it was clear that Arizona is looking toward the future and addressing its most pressing needs now.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde