The Arizona Diamondbacks have addressed some of their most pressing needs this offseason, but one area of the roster remains unsettled as spring training approaches: first base.
Arizona strengthened its rotation earlier in the winter by reuniting with Merrill Kelly on a two-year deal and adding Michael Soroka on a one-year contract. Those moves stabilized a key part of the roster, but the Diamondbacks have taken a more measured approach with position players. According to reporting from MLB Trade Rumors, that restraint has been deliberate.
General manager Mike Hazen recently told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic that payroll flexibility influenced much of the club’s offseason decision-making. Arizona prioritized retaining Kelly, and Hazen acknowledged that a larger free-agent investment elsewhere could have come at the expense of that goal. That same balancing act has shaped the team’s approach at first base, where Arizona continues to explore options rather than force a move.
Arizona’s First Base Picture Remains Unresolved
The need itself is clear. The Diamondbacks entered the offseason hoping a right-handed complement would naturally emerge at first base, but injuries altered that plan. Arizona acquired Tyler Locklear last summer as part of the Eugenio Suárez deal, viewing him as a potential long-term solution. That outlook changed when Locklear suffered significant elbow and shoulder injuries in September, requiring surgery and creating uncertainty around his availability early in the season.
While Locklear has yet to produce in the majors, his minor league track record suggests he could factor into the picture later in the year. For now, however, the Diamondbacks must operate as though he won’t be ready for meaningful early-season at-bats.
That leaves Pavin Smith positioned to handle most of the workload at first base. Smith has been effective against right-handed pitching, particularly over the past two seasons, when he emerged as a reliable source of production when healthy. His struggles against left-handed pitching, however, remain pronounced, reinforcing the need for a platoon partner who can balance the lineup.
MLB Trade Rumors reports that adding a right-handed first baseman remains a priority, whether through free agency or the trade market, as Arizona looks for a solution that fits both its competitive window and payroll constraints.
Goldschmidt Reunion Gains Real Momentum
That search has fueled speculation, and now at least one local insider expects Arizona to explore a familiar path.
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported that the Diamondbacks are likely to “kick the tires” on a reunion with Paul Goldschmidt, who starred for the franchise for the first eight seasons of his career.
“I would expect the Diamondbacks to kick the tires on a reunion with Paul Goldschmidt,” Gambadoro wrote. “Goldy, who is 38 years old and coming off a season in which he hit .274 with 10 HR for the Yankees in 146 games, could fit in nicely as a platoon 1B for a year.”
The fit makes sense on multiple levels. Goldschmidt did most of his damage against left-handed pitching last season, precisely the area where Arizona needs help. A limited role would also align with the Diamondbacks’ financial goals while preserving flexibility if Locklear returns to form later in the year.
Beyond Goldschmidt, MLB Trade Rumors has linked Arizona to other speculative free-agent options, including Rhys Hoskins, Ty France, and Justin Turner. Each comes with trade-offs, from cost to role expectations.
For now, the Diamondbacks aren’t rushing a decision. Much like their approach to the bullpen, Arizona continues to survey the landscape and wait for the right opportunity. First base remains one of the final moving pieces—and how the team resolves it could say a lot about its priorities heading into 2026.
Diamondbacks Still Exploring First Base Upgrade