The Arizona Diamondbacks took another step in securing their future by signing right-hander Brandon Pfaadt to a five-year, $45 million contract extension, announced Friday.
Since general manager Mike Hazen took over in 2017, the team has prioritized locking up young talent, as seen with previous deals for Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll. This approach has been especially evident this spring, with shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and reliever Justin Martinez also signing long-term extensions in the past two weeks.
With Carroll’s eight-year deal signed before the 2023 season, the D-Backs continue to invest in competing at the top level of the National League.
“The commitment from Ken (Kendrick, managing general partner) is greatly appreciated because it allows us to retain players of this caliber,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said.
“Without those resources, we wouldn’t be able to make long-term commitments, and it gets frustrating watching our players leave in free agency after five or six years.”
With Pfaadt secured, the Diamondbacks now have three starting pitchers under contract through at least 2027. However, Corbin Burnes’ six-year, $210 million deal signed this offseason includes an opt-out clause after the 2026 season.
Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez is signed through 2027 with a vesting option for 2028, while Pfaadt’s contract runs through 2030, featuring a club option for 2031 and a mutual option for 2032.
In total, the Diamondbacks have committed $345 million to these three starters.
While Pfaadt’s signing was a significant move on its own, general manager Mike Hazen noted that it also helps stabilize the rotation in case Zac Gallen and/or Merrill Kelly depart after this season.
“Each one of these situations and circumstances is different,” Hazen said. “We’ll address them as we move forward, whether that’s in the offseason or at another time.”
“The primary focus right now is on the 2025 season and maximizing our performance,” Hazen said. “These things will work themselves out over time. We don’t make these moves to limit our future flexibility.”
Pfaadt’s contract, negotiated by Frontline Athlete Management, is back-loaded, and along with extensions for Perdomo and Martinez, it pushes the Diamondbacks’ payroll to a franchise-record $189 million this season.
Arizona now ranks 13th in MLB payroll and seventh in the National League, trailing the Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Braves, Padres, and Cubs.
“Brandon is part of a core group of players we want to secure,” Hazen added. “Having certainty about the future is crucial when building a roster and keeping this team together for as long as possible.”
The Diamondbacks are investing in their future with Pfaadt, just as they have with other young players during Hazen’s tenure.
After excelling in Arizona’s 2023 World Series run, Pfaadt went 11-10 with a 4.71 ERA in his first full MLB season in 2024. He led the team with 32 starts and 181 2/3 innings pitched.
Similar to the deals for Corbin Carroll (eight years, $111 million) and Ketel Marte (five years, $76 million) before the 2023 season, the Diamondbacks are securing Pfaadt on what could be considered team-friendly terms, especially given the rising market value for pitchers.
Hazen stated that the team waited until Pfaadt had secured his spot in the starting rotation before offering an extension. This spring, Pfaadt, Jordan Montgomery, and Ryne Nelson were competing for the fifth rotation spot, though Pfaadt entered camp as the favorite.
“There is always a balance in how these deals come together,” Hazen said of finalizing the extension before the 2025 season. “When there is shared risk on both sides, that’s when you have the best chance to make it happen. If he has the kind of season we know he’s capable of, it changes the calculus. We might still get it done, but it shifts the dynamics for us.”
The Diamondbacks hold a $21 million club option for Pfaadt in 2031 with a $1 million buyout, and both sides have a $25 million mutual option for 2032. Pfaadt also has the ability to block a trade to five teams.
“The way he attacks the zone and continues refining his stuff carries tremendous value,” Hazen said. “That skill set is crucial in today’s game, where pitch counts climb quickly and put stress on the bullpen. He’s shown those qualities, and he’ll keep building on them as he develops.”
