Overview
- The Diamondbacks are in active trade talks to add a controllable starting pitcher and a left-handed first-base or DH option before the non-waiver trade deadline on Aug. 3.
- General manager Mike Hazen has prioritized those two needs and said the club will stay involved in reliever conversations without making the bullpen a top priority.
- Arizona has less than $10 million in payroll flexibility and does not plan to exceed the first luxury-tax threshold, which limits how much salary it can take on in trades.
- Several starters are on staggered injured-list timetables — Michael Soroka expected soon, Zac Gallen likely later, and Corbin Burnes and Ryne Nelson probably not until September — leaving the team urgent to bridge a difficult August schedule that includes 29 games in 30 days.
- Because the market favors controllable starters and high-leverage relievers, Hazen is targeting lower-cost, controllable options listed in local reports and may have to sacrifice longer-term prospects to protect the club's immediate playoff push.