Michael Soroka
The 2026 rotation has already started to take shape with the recent signing of Soroka to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million. This signing is definitely one to keep an eye on, as he is an addition with the chance to make a real impact in 2026.
Corbin Burnes
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 21: Corbin Burnes #39 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches in the first inning during the spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Fields of Phoenix on March 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images)
The D-backs invested in their pitching staff last offseason, bringing in the former Cy Young winner on a six-year contract worth $210 million, hoping he would be the missing piece to help this team get back into the playoffs and make another run toward the World Series.
At first, the move looked great, as Burnes had a 2.66 ERA in his first 11 starts. Then, unfortunately, he suffered a UCL tear that would require Tommy John surgery, which would put him out for the rest of the 2025 season and most likely most of this coming season as well.
Burnes could return late in the year, but even so, this was a huge blow for the D-backs and will cause major issues for them going into 2026 if they don’t look to add more pitching before the offseason is over.
Who Else Could the Diamondbacks Add?
There are still plenty of free agents for the Diamondbacks to go after to help bolster their rotation if Gallen isn’t who they want. This is definitely still necessary, given that Burnes will be out until July at the absolute earliest.
One pitcher who might be flying under the radar but could definitely be an option is Lucas Giolito. Giolito is coming off a stellar year for the Red Sox, in which he finished with 10 wins and a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts.