Diamondbacks continue to build for the future with unexpected Brandon Pfaadt extension

The Diamondbacks continue to lock up their young core, with Brandon Pfaadt the latest player to sign an extension.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (32) pitches against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field on Sept. 29, 2024.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (32) pitches against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field on Sept. 29, 2024. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Diamondbacks continue to lock up their young core. The latest player to agree to an extension is right-hander Brandon Pfaadt. The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro reports the details.

Pfaadt, 26, was already controllable through the 2029 season. The extension not only buys out his arbitration-eligible years but also up to two extra years of control. There is also a second year for a $21 million club option, as reported by FanSided's MLB insider Robert Murray, who reports the entire deal parameters.

At 5 years and $45 million, Pfaadt's extension is very similar to the one five-year, $48 million extension that the Cleveland Guardians and Tanner Bibee agreed to last week. The right-hander's track record doesn't look spectacular at first glance, with a 5.06 ERA in 50 career starts, but there have been glimpses where he's looked spectacular. In 2024, he was their most dependable starter, making his 32 starts and pitching 181.2 innings. There was also the 2023 playoff run, where he pitched some decisive games that propelled the Diamondbacks into the World Series.

Assuming he develops into the middle of the rotation starter he's projected to become, that option also seems like a no-brainer. If the 2031 option is exercised, it's likely that the 2032 mutual option will not be picked up by either the player or team.

Advanced metrics paint a much more optimistic picture of Pfaadt's run prevention skills, as his expected ERA clocked in at 3.78 and FIP 3.65. With the ideal size and a history of good health, he profiles as a solid innings eater that can be projected for 30 starts and 180 innings a year.

There are reasons to believe Pfaadt should see an improvement in his ERA. His 24.3% strikeout and 5.5% walk rates in 2024 were both better than the league average. If there is one knock on him, he has a habit of missing in the zone, leading to barrels and home runs. Cleaning up the execution on pitch location, especially for his plus sweeper, will be the key to limiting loud contact.

Pfaadt becomes the third Diamondback to reach an extension this season. The team has already extended Geraldo Perdomo and Justin Martinez through 2029. The team's actions indicate they're going all in with this current core of players, which should excite the fan base.

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