Diamondbacks Owner Says 2027 Payroll Will Be Lower

Overview

• Ken Kendrick confirmed Saturday that the club will run a lower payroll in 2027, saying several expensive contracts are expiring and that some high-dollar signings made little or no contribution this year.
• MLB Trade Rumors' payroll tracker shows the D-backs spent about $193 million in cash in 2026 and had a luxury-tax figure near $236.29 million, putting the team close to the first competitive-balance tax threshold.
• Key salaries that could come off the books include Zac Gallen's $22.025 million (with more than $14 million deferred), Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s $13 million (he was released in September), and impending free agent Michael Soroka, who is the club's top offseason pitching decision.
• Front-office choices this winter will include deciding whether to re-sign Soroka, adding veteran bullpen arms, upgrading first base, and weighing trades or non-tenders such as the projected Pavin Smith non-tender and possible discussions about Ketel Marte after his August no-show.
• A lower payroll would likely mean more playing time for lower-cost young players and targeted trades to avoid luxury-tax penalties, a shift that will shape roster construction and fan expectations heading into the 2027 season.