The Diamondbacks have re-signed outfielder Randal Grichuk to a one-year deal. Grichuk is set to earn $2 million for the 2025 season but with a $3 million buyout on a 2026 mutual option will count $5 million towards the Competitive Balance number.
Here is Arizona's 2025 payroll numbers according to Roster Resource and Cot's.
Site | 2025 Payroll | 2025 CBT Payroll |
|---|---|---|
Roster Resource | $195 million | $218.885 million |
Cots | $187.3 million | $215.3 million |
There are a couple of accounting differences between the two sites, with Corbin Burnes' record-breaking contract accounting for the biggest gap. Roster Resource has Burnes at $35 million for each season while Cot's has him at just under $31 million. 30% of his contract includes deferred money, which will be paid out starting the season after he throws his last pitch in Arizona.
These numbers include Jordan Montgomery's $22.5 million, which is all but certain to be removed from the books. While the Diamondbacks looking to offload their worst contract, they've been patiently waiting for other starters to sign to open up the trade market. Despite a rough 2024 season, Montgomery has a strong career track record and Arizona should find a taker to get most of that salary paid down.
Regardless of where the veteran left-hander ends up and how much relief they get, the Diamondbacks are on track to have a franchise-record payroll in 2025. The previous record was $173 million, set in the 2024 season. They still have one remaining need to upgrade their roster, and that's acquiring a late-inning arm or closer to help stabilize the back end of the bullpen.
The number of closer options in free agency has dwindled in recent days. Kirby Yates and Carlos Estevez signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Royals respectively. That leaves just David Robertson as the top free agent option, which could have Arizona going to the trade market to address that need. Unless they trade for Pete Fairbanks, who costs $3.3 million in 2025, the Diamondbacks could be looking at adding $10 million-plus salary next season.
Assuming they're able to land their late-inning arm, their 2025 payroll could end up in the $180-190 million range. That will depend on how much they have to pay down Montgomery's salary plus where they turn to for their bullpen addition.
Since their unlikely World Series run, Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick has kept his promise and opened up the wallet. The Diamondbacks have been aggressive in free agency the past two winters, signing starting pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez, Burnes, and Montgomery to contracts north of $20 million per season. Arizona is looking to capitalize on its current competitive window, having come so close to the ultimate prize two seasons ago.