Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks Expect to be Buyers
However, the same things they seek are also what the other eight teams in the NL need to make their playoff runs.
The Arizona Diamondbacks expect to be buyers at the trade deadline. General Manager Mike Hazen joined Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke and confirmed it.
Wild Card Congestion
With the MLB trade deadline about six weeks away, the NL Wild Card race is congested. Many teams, including the Diamondbacks, are considered in the hunt for a playoff spot. Currently, there are nine NL teams separated by just three games. While this makes for interesting baseball, it also poses a challenge for teams. They need to decide whether to buy, sell, or hold, a hard thing to do when you can’t be sure where you will be at the deadline.
Diamondbacks Believe
The Diamondbacks believe they are a playoff team and have a good awareness of what they need. However, they will be up against many teams looking to make trades to boost their rosters for their own playoff runs. This team needs to make their decisions to do the same, getting their priorities and strategies set.
Left-Handed Power
The Arizona Diamondbacks expect to be buyers and one thing definitely needed is a left-handed power bat. They did sign Max Kepler, recently returned from suspension, but will the outfielder provide that needed power bat or does the team need to keep looking? First-baseman Carlos Santana, was signed in February, is on the IL. As of mid-June 2026, there is no timetable for his return. The team would like to find a veteran player to take over at first base—preferably one that can also add power at the plate.
Pitching, Pitching, and More Pitching
The recent injury to starting pitcher Ryne Nelson puts him out for at least six to eight weeks, if not longer. Then, pitcher Michael Soroka removed himself from Friday’s game and is now on the IL. That makes finding a qualified starter or two a top priority. And as always, you can never have enough bullpen arms while in a playoff race. Adding a bullpen arm will certainly help.
Contending Teams Need the Same
However, the Diamondbacks have competition. The same things they seek are also what the other eight teams in the NL need to make their playoff runs. And, let’s not forget the AL which currently has eight teams in the Wild Card race. With the division leaders in each league, add six more teams to the mix looking to get to the playoffs—most, if not all, looking to find players to support their runs. While not all teams may need hitting power, it is safe to say they are all looking for pitching arms.
Farm System
The Arizona Diamondbacks expect to be buyers and need to decide what can they offer to get what they need. The new farm system rankings are forthcoming. However, the listing from the beginning of the year has Arizona ranked number 22. This could be problematic for the team—will “selling” teams want to deal a proven MLB player for an MiLB player from a team not ranked in the top 15?
Many Games before Deadline
There are still 30 to 35 games left to be played before the trade deadline. Some teams will fall off or out of contention and will not make trades. Other teams may not make trade-deadline deals for various reasons. Sometimes it is financial constraints or considerations. Sometimes it is a focus on developing younger players and holding on to veterans for future guidance and mentorship.
Could Become Sellers
And, the Diamondbacks also could find themselves sellers. Though they’ve been able to hold steady at this point, the injuries plaguing the team could eventually catch up to them taking the team out of the playoff race. If that becomes the case, they must decide whether to become sellers—and determine what they are willing to sell.
Last year, they traded multiple players to build up their farm system after deciding they were out of contention. If they find themselves in the same position, will they do the same or stand pat?
Challenging Six Weeks
The MLB trade deadline is considered one of the most adrenaline-charged and exhilarating times in all of sports. One trade can enhance a team’s chance to make the playoffs. Alternately, one trade can also hinder a team. The Diamondbacks, like many other teams, have a challenging six weeks ahead as they make plans to move forward. At this point, the team is expected to hang around for a playoff spot. As stated, General Manager Mike Hazen said the team was looking to be buyers should that, indeed, be the case.
Next comes decisions about exactly what is needed and the priority as to who they will or can acquire to enhance their strengths and shore up their weaknesses. The front office must decide who and what they are willing give up to get this team into the playoffs and beyond. They will be busy evaluating talent and checking on players who may become available for trades between now and August 3.
Jim Marshall
Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).
