The Diamondbacks have a surplus of starting pitching talent available, many of whom are expected to either perform better than 2024 or take the next step forward. Throughout the offseason, teams were asking Arizona about the availability of their starters but no deal has yet to be achieved. As such, they have seven available starters to choose from.
With that many starters available, questions about fielding a six-man rotation to start the season. That was quickly kiboshed by Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen, who cited the issues with off days and multiple bullpens between starts disrupting the pitchers' routines.
It makes a lot of sense, as the team has a lot of investment in their starting rotation. They'll want to maximize the value of the arms they paid a premium to acquire. That means the rotation will likely feature Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Jordan Montgomery to open the season.
Despite his struggles in 2024, Montgomery is still the best rotation option when considering previous track record. That track record includes a 3.48 ERA in 94 starts the previous three seasons. While the team has aggressively shopped him around in the offseason, a deal has not come to pass. Instead they should prepare for the possibility they'll be keeping him and his $22.5 million salary for 2025. Montgomery isn't phased by the noise around him and will be looking forward to a normal spring.
If that is indeed the case, that would push a pair of young starters in the organization out of a role. Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson were critical in keeping the rotation afloat for much of the 2024 season but could be on the outside looking in for a rotation spot. Given how these things have a way or sorting themselves out, the Diamondbacks should not be quick to trade from their rotation depth, as they can always option Nelson and Pfaadt to Triple-A if necessary.
Such a move could also be somewhat counterproductive, as it means taking some of their best pitchers off the roster. Theoretically they could move one to the bullpen, likely Nelson, and keep the other stretched out in Triple-A. That would give them coverage early in the season for injuries if one doesn't happen in Spring Training.
Last season they were down three starters and a third dealing with an injury situation after the first month. While they can bank on better health, maintaining rotation depth will be key in 2025.