Spring training is almost here, but the Arizona Diamondbacks still have moves to make. The Arizona Republic‘s Nick Piecoro caught up with Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall at the team’s charity golf event at Talking Stick Resort.
“I think there’s enough opportunity out there that we can still see a move or two that can impact our team,” Hall told Piecoro.
Hall mentioned a “complementary first baseman” and help on the pitching staff, both in the rotation and bullpen, as potential moves.
Diamondbacks Options for “Complementary” First Baseman
When Hall said complementary, it’s obvious there will be a platoon at first base. Pavin Smith, who recorded a .265/.361/.456 slash against right-handed pitching in 2025, is expected to be the strong side of the platoon.
There may be concerns about Smith’s viability in a platoon role. After a blistering start, he endured a lengthy slump before injuries ended his season prematurely. From April 23 on, he hit just .218 with a .654 OPS. With the Diamondbacks short on payroll space, they’ll have to run him back out there.
The biggest name in the market is Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt was a former six-time All-Star with the Diamondbacks, but is in the twilight phase of a Hall of Fame career. The 38-year-old still crushed left-handed pitching, hitting .336 with a .981 OPS in 2025.
Goldschmidt still wants to play in 2026, but may have to settle for a platoon role. He may return to the Yankees, according to the New York Post‘s Jon Heyman.
If the Diamondbacks lose out on Goldschmidt, they could look at Rhys Hoskins or Ty France as alternatives.
France doesn’t have the same offensive pedigree as Goldschmidt or Hoskins. He posted a .244/.298/.389 slash when holding the platoon advantage in 2025. However, expected metrics are more bullish based on quality of contact, as he produced a .264 xBA and .478 xSLG vs. southpaws in 2025.
Could the Diamondbacks Further Add to their Rotation?
Hall’s allusion to the rotation likely has to do with Zac Gallen’s free agency situation. Gallen is experiencing a slow market, especially after rejecting a qualifying offer. In a scenario where he can’t land a long-term deal (three-plus years), a reunion with the Diamondbacks makes sense.
Adding more rotation depth could be important if the Diamondbacks want to contend in 2026. The Diamondbacks are one injury away from relying on unproven arms to fill a rotation spot. Cristian Mena, Kohl Drake, Dylan Ray, and Mitch Bratt are 40-man options, but the quartet combine for one MLB start and 9.2 innings.
If the Diamondbacks do find themselves trying to bring back Gallen, then it becomes a question of payroll. Arizona extended a $22.05 million qualifying offer, so that might be the cost to bring him back. The team is already carrying a payroll of $209.2 million, according to Cots Contracts.
Hall seemed to brush off those concerns.
“We still have some room,” Hall told Piecoro. “For a big splash, we’re probably going to have to get creative or look to move money if we’re going to do something really big. I think we’re pretty close to where we want to be, but we still have some room to make some moves.”
For general manager Mike Hazen to make such a move, he would need Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick to green-light it. Hall said the Diamondbacks finished 2025 deep in the red, but didn’t go too much into specifics.
“It was a big number,” said Hall. “Again, it just shows ownership’s willingness, and not just Ken. Everybody has to buy in.”
Diamondbacks Hint at More Moves Before Spring Training