Arizona Diamondbacks MLB free agency, trade rumors, news, updates: What's next for DBacks?

Jeremy Cluff
Arizona Republic
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Could the Arizona Diamondbacks make any big signings in MLB free agency?

Might the team make more trades this offseason after already acquiring Eugenio Suarez from the Seattle Mariners?

After a surprise run to the 2023 World Series and National League title, GM Mike Hazen and the Diamondbacks appear ready and eager to strike some moves before next season.

What could those moves be?

Seth Lugo, Justin Turner, Lucas Giolito, J.D. Martinez and Tucker Barnhart are all players that have come up in recent speculation about the Diamondbacks, as well as the need for starting pitching (which the team added in agreeing to a deal with Eduardo Rodriguez).

Check out the latest news, speculation, rumors and updates involving the Dbacks:

Report: DBacks agree to terms with LHP Eduardo Rodriguez

The Diamondbacks landed the starting pitcher they had been searching for all offseason, agreeing to terms on a four-year deal with free-agent left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez on Wednesday night, according to an ESPN report.

Eduardo Rodriguez had a 3.58 ERA in two seasons with the Tigers.

The Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks strengthen rotation with Eduardo Rodriguez deal

Nick Piecoro writes: "In landing Rodriguez on a four-year deal, he not only gives the Diamondbacks another legitimate arm to round out their rotation for next year, he also helps build out the starting staff for years to come, an important consideration for a club that has right-handers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly under contract for only the next two seasons."

MLB.com: Diamondbacks get high-end starter for rotation in Eduardo Rodriguez

It writes: "Fresh off their World Series appearance, the D-backs have been looking to add another high-end starter behind Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly and Rodriguez fits the bill. Rodriguez’s strikeout rate (23 percent) was up in 2023, and his walk rate (7.7 percent) was down. Both good signs, though his expected ERA based on quality of contact was 4.04, more than half a run higher than his actual ERA and only slightly lower than his 4.20 xERA in ’22. The barrel rate (7.5 percent) and the hard-hit rate (38.5 percent) against him, while not bad overall, were each a bit higher than in ’22, when his ERA was 4.05 in 17 starts."

MLB Trade Rumors: Eduardo Rodriguez signing boosts Diamondbacks

Nick Deeds writes: "Adding Rodriguez to the mix should help the club’s run prevention efforts considerably. The 30-year-old southpaw enjoyed a career year in 2023 as a member of the Tigers, finishing the season with a 3.30 ERA and 3.66 FIP across 152 2/3 innings of work while striking out 23% of batters faced against a walk rate of just 7.7%. Those strong overall numbers on the season well may have been even stronger had Rodriguez managed to stay healthy all season, as the lefty cruised to a 2.13 ERA and a 25.5% strikeout rate across his first eleven starts of the season."

SB Nation: Why Lucas Giolito fits with Diamondbacks

It writes: "This season, after a successful bounce back with the White Sox, Lucas Giolito pitched badly for the Angels and Guardians. The likely causes were poor defense, bad luck, disruption of his routines, and drift of his pitching mechanics. Despite those problems, his pitching was consistently great in terms of strikeouts per batter faced, whiffs per pitch, and balls-in-play per strike. Next season, there are reasons for optimism - two projections, last season’s quality starts, and his consistency in my three preferred statistics. He would be a good fit for the Diamondbacks because he always follows his game plan, his above-average mental approach, and his similarity for former Diamondback Robbie Ray."

Fansided: J.D. Martinez potential answer at designated hitter for DBacks

Noah Wright writes: "I think that Martinez would be a great fit for the Diamondbacks' line-up. That gives you four guys who could approach 30 home runs, at the very least. Keep in mind the Diamondbacks had a negative run differential. Sure, some of that is because they had four starting pitchers with an ERA of 4.15 or higher in 15+ starts, but they only ranked seventh in runs scored, and now they're losing Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who went yard 24 times last season. Adding Martinez gives the Diamondbacks' offense a major push."

More:Randy Arozarena trade speculation with Tampa Bay Rays includes Arizona Diamondbacks

Mike Hazen: Gabriel Moreno not on trade block for Diamondbacks

“I’ll pick up the phone. I’ll say thank you. And then I’ll change the subject.”

That's what the Diamondbacks GM said, according to PHNX Sports, in response to what Hazan's reaction would be if he was called asking about the catcher's availability.

New York Post: Diamondbacks interested in RHP Seth Lugo

Jon Heyman wrote: "Former Met Seth Lugo could wind up with the Mets’ main nemesis in Atlanta. The Braves are one of the teams in the bidding for the free agent. The Red Sox, Reds and Diamondbacks also have shown interest in Lugo."

More:Could Arizona Diamondbacks reunite with J.D. Martinez in MLB free agency?

Could Seth Lugo be a fit with the Arizona Diamondbacks?

The Arizona Republic: 'Anything is on the table' for Diamondbacks

Nick Piecoro wrote: "Fresh off the organization’s first World Series appearance in more than 20 years, General Manager Mike Hazen is intent on getting back to October again, an aggressive mindset that seemed most tangible when he was asked Monday about his willingness to part with prospects — even some of his better ones — in trades."

USA TODAY Sports: Diamondbacks eyeing Justin Turner

Bob Nightengale wrote: "The Diamondbacks still would love to sign DH/IF Justin Turner to replace the leadership and bat of Evan Longoria."

Eugenio Suarez trade reaction:Arizona Diamondbacks 'fleeced' Seattle Mariners

MLB Network: Diamondbacks interested in RHP Lucas Giolito

Jon Morosi posted: "Free agent RHP Lucas Giolito, 29, is drawing interest from the Dodgers, Mets, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, and Royals. The Yamamoto and Ohtani markets could impact Giolito's destination. He posted a 4.88 ERA this year while tying for a league-best 33 GS."

The Arizona Republic: Starting pitching DBacks' top priority

Nick Piecoro wrote: "The Diamondbacks have made little secret about their desire to add to the starting rotation. How much they will be willing to pay, either in dollars or prospect capital, could be a question that gets answered in Nashville."

More:MLB free agency predictions for Arizona Diamondbacks include Blake Snell, Justin Turner

Could the Diamondbacks sign Justin Turner in MLB free agency?

The Athletic: Diamondbacks have interest in Justin Turner, J.D. Martinez

Jim Bowden posted: "The #Diamondbacks have internally discussed and have potential interest in both Justin Turner and JD Martinez for the DH spot of their lineup. Either one would be a great fit at the plate and in the clubhouse."

Sports Illustrated: Diamondbacks linked to catcher Tucker Barnhart

Jack Sommers writes: "The team has a need to shore up their catching depth. During the General Managers meetings last month Mike Hazen confirmed this is an area he would be looking to add. While starting pitching remains the number one priority, the organization can and will do more than two things at once. Accordingly, it's been reported by a credible source that the D-backs have shown interest in veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart."

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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