The Arizona Diamondbacks continue their trend of securing young talent, signing right-hander Brandon Pfaadt to a five-year, $45 million contract extension on Friday.
Since GM Mike Hazen took over in 2017, the D-Backs have prioritized locking up core players early—evident in extensions for Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, and Justin Martinez. With Carroll’s eight-year deal signed before 2023, Arizona is proving its commitment to competing at the top tier of the National League.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo expressed gratitude for the organization’s financial commitment, particularly from managing general partner Ken Kendrick.
“The commitment from Ken is much appreciated, so we can get that type of player,” Lovullo said. “Without those resources, we can’t commit to those long term, and we get tired of watching our players move on after five or six years in free agency.”
With recent extensions for Brandon Pfaadt, Geraldo Perdomo, and Justin Martinez, along with previous long-term deals for Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte, Arizona is making it clear that it wants to build a sustainable contender rather than losing homegrown talent to free agency.
The Diamondbacks lost multiple Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker and DH Joc Pederson to free agency last winter, and more key decisions loom after the 2025 season.
Starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, third baseman Eugenio Suárez, and first baseman Josh Naylor are all set to hit free agency, creating uncertainty for Arizona’s roster moving forward. While the club has prioritized locking up young talent like Brandon Pfaadt, Corbin Carroll, and Ketel Marte, keeping their veteran core intact will be another challenge next offseason.
With Brandon Pfaadt now locked in, the Diamondbacks have three starting pitchers under contract through at least 2027.
However, Corbin Burnes’ six-year, $210 million deal, signed this past offseason, includes an opt-out clause after 2026, which could impact the team’s long-term rotation plans. Keeping their pitching staff stable will be a key focus as Arizona looks to remain competitive in the National League.
With Eduardo Rodriguez signed through 2027 (with a vesting option for 2028) and Brandon Pfaadt under contract until 2030 (with club and mutual options extending to 2032), the Diamondbacks have committed $345 million to their rotation.
Arizona GM Mike Hazen emphasized that Pfaadt’s deal was a standalone move, but it also provides rotation stability in case Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly depart after this season. Hazen noted that each contract situation is unique and will be addressed as the team navigates future roster decisions.
The Diamondbacks are prioritizing long-term roster stability while focusing on competing in 2025. GM Mike Hazen emphasized that Brandon Pfaadt’s extension wasn’t meant to block future moves but to provide certainty as Arizona builds its core.
Pfaadt’s back-loaded deal, along with Geraldo Perdomo and Justin Martinez’s extensions, pushes Arizona’s payroll to a franchise-record $189 million—ranking 13th in MLB and 7th in the NL, trailing big spenders like the Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Braves, Padres, and Cubs.
Hazen sees these contracts as crucial to keeping the team together and maintaining competitiveness.
The Diamondbacks are continuing their strategy of locking up young talent early, as they did with Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte before the 2023 season.
Brandon Pfaadt’s five-year, $45 million deal looks like another team-friendly contract, especially as the pitching market continues to grow. After leading Arizona in starts (32) and innings pitched (181.2) in 2024, he’s now a key piece of their long-term rotation alongside Corbin Burnes and Eduardo Rodriguez.
By securing Pfaadt early, Arizona ensures stability while keeping financial flexibility—just as they did with Carroll’s eight-year, $111 million deal and Marte’s five-year, $76 million contract.
The Diamondbacks took a calculated approach with Brandon Pfaadt’s contract extension, waiting until his spot in the rotation was secure before making the offer.
With Jordan Montgomery and Ryne Nelson competing for the fifth rotation spot, Pfaadt was already the frontrunner heading into the spring. By extending him now, Arizona locks in cost certainty while avoiding a potential price hike if he has a breakout 2025 season.
His contract includes a $21 million team option for 2031 and a $25 million mutual option for 2032, along with a limited no-trade clause (he can block deals to five teams).
GM Mike Hazen emphasized Pfaadt’s ability to pound the zone and eat innings, which helps preserve the bullpen—a valuable skill set in today’s game.
