Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt could become an important bullpen arm. In mid April he was moved from starter to the bullpen. Although he has not pitched much recently, he is still viewed as a beneficial MLB arm.
The Move was Made
The Diamondbacks moved the right-hander to the bullpen after continued inconsistency. Pfaadt struggled in his first three starts of the 2026 season, posting a 5.94 ERA in 16.2 innings. Correspondingly, Merrill Kelly was ready to return from the IL and with Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Soroka pitching well, a decision had to be made.
Resilient Starter
Before this, Pfaadt had been the most resilient starter in the rotation throughout the past two seasons. He is a work-horse for a lot of innings, pitching at least six innings in 34 starts over those two years. While his overall ERA has been high, he has shown the ability to settle in and give the bullpen arms much-needed rest. Yes, he gives up the home run, but is consistent in locating the strike zone.
Move To Triple-A
The Diamondbacks could have sent him to Triple-A to keep him working as a starter. However, Reno is an extremely hitter-friendly atmosphere, and that setting would not help him get back on track. Also, working out of the bullpen allows pitching coach, Brian Kaplan, and his assistant, Owen Drew, to see issues in his mechanics and address them immediately.
Since the Move
Since that move, he has responded well. In his first appearance as a reliever, Pfaadt threw 84 pitches in a 6.1-inning performance, with two strikeouts and only four hits allowed. In May, he has pitched only 8 innings and has gone 9 days between games. Most of that is because the starters have been able to put together multiple quality starts.
Different Situations
Brandon Pfaadt could become an important bullpen arm. Pfaadt pounds the strike zone regularly. Manager Torey Lovullo could begin to use him in different situations. Currently used in long relief, we might see him as the seventh-inning pitcher, and if all goes well, he could be a set-up man in the eighth.
Not giving up on Him
The Diamondbacks, however, are certainly not giving up on him, though they may not see him in the starting rotation any longer this season, injuries—and his current performance—could change that. With their current starting staff doing an above-average job, there is no need to disrupt that routine. Last year, the team was in a similar spot with Ryne Nelson. While refining his mechanics, Nelson found his way back to the starting rotation, and that proved effective. The same could be true of Pfaadt.
Embraced the Role
Brandon Pfaadt could become an important bullpen arm. He has embraced the role as a good chance to learn and make adjustments in his routine. Look for him to focus on attacking the zone again and working on his overall command. Coupled with that, he can certainly be a flexible option, capable of providing multiple innings if the rotation falters or serving as a reliable one-inning middle-relief arm.
New Contract
The past two off-seasons the Diamondbacks have extended some players they feel are key to their future; Pfaadt is among them. This season marked the beginning of his five-year deal, signed in 2025. The $45 million included a $21 million club option for 2031 and a $25 million mutual option for 2032 as well as a no-trade clause for 2030-32.
Outlook
The Diamondbacks have a surplus of starters who are doing an admirable job. With the return of Corbin Burnes expected in July, Pfaadt will stay in the bullpen for the foreseeable future. Pitching out of the bullpen may help with his confidence and self-reliance, the better he performs, the better he gets. With this team wanting a playoff spot, Pfaadt is ready to accept any pitching role to help his team get into the playoffs.
