Decision Time in the Desert — D-backs Must Choose a Path

As we approach June, the Arizona Diamondbacks are sitting on the edge of a knife. At 27–28, this team isn’t just flirting with mediocrity — it’s staring down a critical moment that could define the rest of 2025. There’s no more waiting for things to “click.” If the front office wants to compete this year, action is needed. If not, it’s time to sell off pieces and start shaping the team to contend next year. And no matter which path GM Mike Hazen chooses, it starts with confronting an uncomfortable truth: this bullpen is a mess.

This Bullpen Can’t Hold Water

The Diamondbacks’ bullpen is hemorrhaging leads, and the numbers back it up. A 5.55 ERA from the ‘pen ranks among the bottom five in baseball. The eye test is somehow worse. Leads in the 6th and 7th? Rarely safe. Close games? Consistently slipping away.

It’s not just about injuries — although Puk and Martinez missing time hasn’t helped — it’s about arms that aren’t getting it done:

• Kevin Ginkel: 12.60 ERA, 2.10 WHIP

• Ryan Thompson: 6.75 ERA, .318 AVG against

• Joe Mantiply: 15.83 ERA in 9.2 IP

• Bryce Jarvis: 7.36 ERA

Even some of the lower-ERA guys — like Shelby Miller (2.18 ERA) — are doing well but are still succeeding in more low-leverage spots. The trust just isn’t there, and it shows. it is easy to point the finger Torey Lovullo and how he has managed the bullpen and pitching decisions, and many of those criticisms are valid, but deep down it seems no matter what bullpen arm is called upon they just end up struggling.

Rotation Trending Up

There are encouraging signs in the rotation. Corbin Burnes has lived up to his ace billing (2.72 ERA, 59 Ks). Merrill Kelly has been rock-solid (3.52 ERA), and Brandon Pfaadt is maturing on the mound (3.90 ERA). Zac Gallen’s 5.25 ERA looks ugly on paper, but his 63 strikeouts lead the staff and there are signs the command is coming around. But honestly I still think he has some issues to deal with. He is giving up so many runs by BB's and hard hit balls. He’s still generating whiffs — just not avoiding barrels yet. If this group can keep trending upward, a stabilized bullpen could finally give them the support they need to win close games.

The Offense Is More Than Enough

For all the noise about situational hitting — and yes, the D-backs do strand their fair share of baserunners — this is still a top five offense in MLB. They’re 5th in runs scored (272), 7th in batting average (.256), and 5th in home runs (71).

This isn’t smoke and mirrors — it’s a deep, well-rounded group:

• Corbin Carroll: .259/.329/.561, 16 HR, 35 walks MVP-caliber stretch but some slight slumping lately

• Ketel Marte: .283/.392/.566 — Best all-around bat on the team

• Josh Naylor: .291/.351/.451, 9 SB, 27 RBI

• Geraldo Perdomo: .296/.394/.460, 39 runs scored

• Pavin Smith: .292/.401/.467, 12 extra-base hits in 137 ABs

Yes, they could tighten up with RISP, but this team can score. The offense isn’t the issue — the bullpen is what’s wasting their work.

So... Which Way Does Hazen Go?

We’re staring at a crossroads. There are two clear paths forward, make strategic acquisitions to bolster the bullpen and contend this season or trade valuable assets to rebuild for the next season and beyond.

Option 1: Strategic Acquisitions for Contention

To address bullpen deficiencies without mortgaging the future, the Diamondbacks could target affordable, high-upside relievers:

• Kyle Finnegan (RHP, Nationals): With a 2.41 ERA and 15 saves in 19 appearances, Finnegan offers a reliable option. He is earning approximately $5.2 million this year and is heading toward free agency.

• Anthony Bender (RHP, Marlins): Bender posted a 4.08 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 59 innings last season. His sinker and sweeper combination could provide the bullpen with much-needed depth.

• Garrett Cleavinger (LHP, Rays): With a 3.75 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 60 innings in 2024, Cleavinger offers a reliable left-handed option. Under team control through 2027, he could be acquired for mid-tier prospects.

• Pete Fairbanks (RHP, Rays): Despite injury concerns, Fairbanks' high-velocity fastball and changeup make him a high-reward option. He is in the final year of a three-year deal, making him a potential rental for a playoff push.

  
  

These acquisitions would require parting with prospects like Blaze Alexander or Jake McCarthy and maybe some other options too, but they could solidify the bullpen for a postseason run.

Option 2: Rebuilding for the Future

If the team opts to rebuild, trading valuable assets could yield a significant return:

• Zac Gallen (SP): As a top-tier starter entering free agency after this season, Gallen could command a substantial return.

• Eugenio Suárez (3B): With 15 home runs this season, Suárez could attract interest from teams needing power at third base. His expiring contract makes him a prime trade candidate.

• Shelby Miller (RP): Miller's effective performance and postseason experience make him an attractive option for contenders seeking bullpen depth.

  
  

Potential trade partners include:

• Red Sox: In need of rotation and bullpen help, Boston could dangle pieces like Wilyer Abreu, Blaze Jordan, or Luis Perales — all young, controllable talents with upside.

• Yankees: With pressure to contend, the Yankees might be willing to part with prospects such as Spencer Jones, Everson Pereira, or Clayton Beeter.

• Orioles: Possessing one of the deepest systems in baseball, Baltimore could move prospects like Coby Mayo, Chayce McDermott, or Heston Kjerstad.

• Phillies: Looking to bolster their pitching, Philadelphia could offer arms like Mick Abel or Griff McGarry, with position prospects like Ethan Wilson or Justin Crawford potentially part of a larger deal.

• Mets: If they pivot toward buying, the Mets have intriguing young talent such as Jett Williams, Brandon Sproat, and Carson Benge.

• Brewers: Milwaukee could shop rising arms like Jacob Misiorowski or pieces like Mike Boeve or Luis Lara also drawing interest.

  
  

  With the right mix of trades, the Diamondbacks could retool quickly — especially with Carroll, Marte, Perdomo, Moreno, and Naylor (if extended) anchoring the next competitive window.

  
  

Conclusion: A Defining Moment

The Diamondbacks stand at a crossroads. By making calculated acquisitions, they could address bullpen weaknesses and contend in a competitive NL West. Alternatively, embracing a rebuild could set the stage for sustained success in the coming years. The decisions made in the next few weeks will not only define the 2025 season but also shape the franchise's trajectory for years to come.