The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t waste much time this offseason fixing one of their largest problems from 2025: pitching. In some surprise moves, the last two weeks have seen the Diamondbacks sign three new pitchers to strengthen their 2026 staff. In the first two weeks of December, the team announced the signings of Merrill Kelly, Michael Soroka, and José Urquidy, giving the pitching staff a much-needed boost without spending like a big-market team. None of the deals were flashy, but all three moves fit the Diamondbacks’ style. They added experience, depth, and flexibility, which were things the team clearly lacked at times last season. Together, these signings help stabilize the rotation and give the bullpen another reliable arm.
Merrill Kelly Returns as the Rotation Leader
Bringing back Merrill Kelly felt almost inevitable. After spending most of his MLB career in Arizona, Kelly returns on a two-year, $40 million deal and is expected to be the team’s number one starter in 2026.
In 2025, Kelly pitched for the Diamondbacks for his first 128 2/3 innings and had a good 3.22 ERA. He won nine games and lost six. After being traded to the Texas Rangers, he threw 55 1/3 innings and had a not-so-great 4.23 ERA, going 3-3 in 10 starts. This probably hurt his market value and made it affordable for the Diamondbacks to woo him back. For the Diamondbacks, Kelly’s biggest impact may come off the field. Younger pitchers know him well, and coaches trust him to set the tone every fifth day. In 2026, Arizona will be leaning on him to eat innings and keep games close.
2026 Projection with Arizona
Kelly should slot in comfortably at the top of the rotation. A season around 170–180 innings with an ERA in the low threes is a realistic goal, especially with familiar players, coaches, and surroundings.
Michael Soroka Adds Depth to the Back End
Michael Soroka’s signing is all about upside and depth. Once an All-Star early in his career, injuries slowed him down, but 2025 showed that he still has something left. The Diamondbacks signed him for one year at $7.5 million plus incentives. That’s a great price for a possible bottom of the rotation anchor.
Pitching for the Chicago White Sox last season, Soroka posted a 4.45 ERA across 24 starts. While the numbers weren’t eye-popping, he stayed healthy and showed better command as the year went on, with a .167 batting average against in the second half of the season, compared to .230 in the first half. His sinker remained effective, especially when he kept the ball down in the zone. The Diamondbacks don’t need Soroka to be a star. They need him to be dependable. He’s expected to begin 2026 as the fourth or fifth starter, giving the team a chance to rest younger arms and avoid overworking the bullpen.
2026 Projection with Arizona
If healthy, Soroka could make 20–25 starts with an ERA around 4.00. That kind of production would be a win for a back-end starter.
José Urquidy Brings Flexibility to the Bullpen
The most interesting signing might be José Urquidy. After spending his career with the Houston Astros, Urquidy joins Arizona with a new role in mind. While he has mostly starting experience, the Diamondbacks plan to use him primarily out of the bullpen. At only about $1 million per year, he could be a huge steal.
In 2025, Urquidy came back from injury after missing the entire 2024 season, pitching only 2 innings in the big leagues. He did pitch well during two stops in the minor leagues, throwing 21 2/3 innings and sporting a fine 2.91 ERA. When healthy, his control stood out. He rarely walked hitters and showed the ability to handle pressure situations. Arizona sees him as a multi-inning reliever who can step in when starters exit early or when the bullpen needs stability. That role was missing for much of last season.
2026 Projection with Arizona
Urquidy could become a key bullpen piece, throwing 60–70 innings with an ERA in the 3.00 to 3.25 range. If injuries hit the rotation, he also gives the team an emergency starting option.
The Effect of the Three New Pitchers
None of these signings will break the bank or signal that the Diamondbacks are going to spend more money than they did last season, but together they make a lot of sense. The Diamondbacks added leadership, depth, and flexibility with their three new pitchers, without locking themselves into long, risky contracts. With Merrill Kelly leading the staff, Michael Soroka providing stability, and José Urquidy strengthening the bullpen, Arizona enters 2026 much more prepared for Spring Training than it was a month ago. Signing the three new pitchers now allows them to set their sights on a closer. Early December moves that don’t win the offseason, but they set the team up for success and can help win regular-season games.
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