The Arizona Diamondbacks missed the 2026 postseason by two wins, and a sudden, unexplained 13‑game stretch without star infielder Ketel Marte raised questions about his future. Insider Jim Bowden warns that trading the 33‑year‑old will be tough because Marte holds a no‑trade clause and must agree to any move. With four seasons and $77.5 million guaranteed left on his contract—and a declining OPS (.748 in 2026 vs .893 in 2025)—Arizona may need to absorb part of his salary if a trade materializes. Bowden explains the contractual hurdles and the roster implications of any potential deal.
The Padres face a turbulent free‑agent market as the exclusive negotiation window closes and the CBA nears expiration. They lose bullpen coach Ben Fritz to the Diamondbacks and must decide the fate of left‑hander Adrián Morejón, whose projected $42‑$90 million deal may be out of reach. Meanwhile, key relievers Yuki Matsui, Kyle Hart, Wandy Peralta and arbitration‑eligible Jeremiah Estrada are set to stay, with Matsui signing a $6.5 million option for 2027 after a 1.83 ERA in 64 innings. Closer Mason Miller, also arbitration‑eligible, awaits his contract. A.J. Preller must balance these bullpen moves with glaring gaps in the starting rotation.
In this November 2 podcast, Jordan Ham hosts a roundup of Arizona sports, covering the false Florida State rumor about ASU coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils' quarterback carousel, and the outlook for the D‑backs and Suns. Jon Wilner then grades outgoing Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark with an “A” for navigating realignment and securing the ESPN/Fox deal, noting his missteps. Former Sun Devil quarterback Jake Plummer previews the inaugural Snake Pit Poker Classic on Nov 5 and explains what it takes for a true freshman to lead ASU’s offense.
The Arizona Diamondbacks finished October 13-10, their second‑best month and fourth straight above‑.500 stretch, boosting fan confidence from an average rating of 5.44 to 5.95. September’s low‑confidence group fell from 31% to 12%, and the most popular optimism score rose from “6” to “7.” As the regular season closes, key off‑season moves include Michael Soroka opting out, Corbin Burnes staying, and manager Torey Lovullo receiving a new contract while a pitching coach was replaced. The blog now asks fans to weigh in on a final November confidence poll before the offseason fully settles.
The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate a franchise‑record‑tying three Rawlings Gold Glove winners for 2026—catcher Gabriel Moreno (second award), outfielder Corbin Carroll and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (first). Their trio joins the team’s 14 total Gold Gloves, tied for second league‑wide behind the Cubs. All three are now candidates for the NL Platinum Glove, with fan voting open through Nov. 5. The piece also flags offseason questions: the health and possible position shift for veteran Nolan Arenado, Ketel Marte’s dip in production and trade value, and the team’s broader roster moves amid a looming CBA deadline. Additional notes cover Merrill Kelly’s Halloween cleat giveaway and Japanese players entering MLB’s posting system.
The Cardinals have pitching depth approaching the majors and would do well to cash in on Andre Pallante's value with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Good Phight breaks down the Phillies' upcoming roster moves as arbitration deadlines loom, highlighting left‑fielder Peter Fatse’s urgent need to reclaim his plate approach amid potential trades. The piece also revisits outfield depth options and notes that no Phillies made the Gold Glove list, while the Diamondbacks and Red Sox each snagged three awards. Additionally, former Astros skipper Brad Ausmus is mentioned as a possible Houston manager, and Japanese infielder Teruaki Sato enters the MLB posting system, sparking speculation before the lockout.
Three Arizona Diamondbacks earn Gold Gloves for 2026: catcher Gabriel Moreno (second award, also won the NL batting title), shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (first‑time winner, +16 OAA, second in the NL) and right fielder Corbin Carroll (first‑time winner, +10 OAA and +12 DRS, second in the NL). Their haul ties the franchise record set in 2019, while utility nominee Ildemaro Vargas fell short to Braves’ Mauricio Dubón. The trio’s defensive excellence—Moreno’s MLB‑best 2.0 Defensive WAR, Perdomo’s eight errors in 2026, and Carroll’s elite speed despite a modest .239 average—underscores a bright future for Arizona.
Three Arizona Diamondbacks earn 2026 National League Rawlings Gold Gloves: catcher Gabriel Moreno (second award, 14 Defensive Runs Saved, .996 fielding %) and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (first award, 13 FRV, 16 OAA, 362 assists) were honored alongside right fielder Corbin Carroll (first award, league‑leading 10 OAA, 12 DRS). Utility man Ildemaro Vargas was also nominated. The accolades highlight Arizona’s elite defense across the plate, middle infield and outfield, underscoring the team’s strong 2026 season.
The Gold Glove Award winners were revealed on Sunday, a big day for Diamondbacks defenders.
Arizona Diamondbacks prospect left‑hander Joe Ariola earns the 2026 Minor League Reliever of the Year honor despite a limited 34.2‑inning workload. Ariola posted an elite 45.75% strikeout rate—the highest in the minors for pitchers with 30+ innings—and a 16.62 K/9, second‑best ERA (1.54) and the lowest FIP (2.34) among D‑backs arms. After an early‑season injury, he returned in July, delivering dominant outings in the Arizona Complex League and Low‑A Visalia. The article also examines why drafting relievers is rarely effective and clarifies the strict definition of a reliever used for the award.
The 2026 SnakePit Awards launch today with the Play of the Year nomination process. Fans are invited to suggest and vote on standout moments—from home runs like Ketel Marte’s May 19 walk‑off against the Giants to dramatic defensive feats such as Nolan Arenado’s double play on May 12 and Alek Thomas’s April 3 diving catch. The pre‑ballot thread will narrow the field to five nominees (typically two infield, two outfield, one homer) before a mid‑week tally determines the finalists.
Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly turned Halloween into a unforgettable fan experience, handing out signed cleats to trick‑or‑treaters at his Phoenix home. A TikTok video shows kids reacting with excitement, shouting praise for the 29‑year‑old pitcher. While candy is the usual treat, Kelly’s surprise gifts highlight his connection with fans even when the season is off. The gesture underscores his reputation as a dependable arm for the D‑Backs and a community favorite.
The post revisits Derek Jeter’s iconic 10th‑inning home run in Game 4 of the 2001 World Series, highlighting how his swing on November 1, 2001, forced a tie and sparked a dramatic finish against Arizona’s Bob Brenly. It then looks ahead to the Yankees’ 2026 season, noting Win Probability Added highlights, Masahiro Tanaka’s 38th birthday (still pitching in NPB under Hideki Matsui), and speculation about the post‑lockout league landscape. Readers are also invited to weigh in on the Yankees’ recent departure from advisors Omar Minaya and Brian Sabean and share any party snack memories.
Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen says it’s time to "shake the team up" after an 86-76 season that fell short of the playoffs. The focus is on second baseman Ketel Marte, who posted a .276/.358/.485 line in 2023, was NLCS MVP, and finished third in 2024 MVP voting, but faced disciplinary issues in August and now carries a hefty $87.5 million contract with a no‑trade clause. Hazen hints at a possible trade, while Arizona also considers moves involving Michael Soroka, Zac Gallen and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., aiming to trim payroll and retool the roster.
The Chicago White Sox will appoint 30‑year‑old Matt Roffe as scouting director, pending an official announcement next week, according to The Athletic. Roffe joins after helping the Milwaukee Brewers win the 2026 World Series and serving as their assistant director of domestic scouting since November 2025. He previously worked as an analyst for the Arizona Diamondbacks, overlapping with White Sox assistant GM Josh Barfield. Roffer replaces Mike Shirley, who quit in September after a harassment investigation. The move follows the Sox’s recent first‑round selections, including Garrett Crochet and Colson Montgomery.
The Arizona Diamondbacks aim for an 85‑win season in 2026‑27 after falling short of the playoffs despite a 2023 World Series run. GM Mike Hazen faces a reduced payroll—owner Ken Kendrick plans roughly $25 M of spending flexibility, down from $192.8 M committed in 2026. Using a Marcel‑style WAR model, the current roster projects about 80 wins, so the author outlines realistic trade scenarios and financial constraints, concluding that the only viable path to 85+ wins is a near‑complete overhaul of the starting rotation and strategic, low‑cost acquisitions. The piece evaluates trade value, arbitration savings, and the limited market for high‑impact pitchers and left‑handed batters.
World Series MVP Jake Bauers, who went from a .199 batting average in 2024 to a 26‑home‑run breakout that helped the Milwaukee Brewers win the 2026 World Series, is now a free‑agent hot commodity. Analysts project a 4‑year deal worth $56‑$58 million. If the Brewers don’t re‑sign him, three clubs are eyeing the 31‑year‑old left‑handed power bat: the Texas Rangers, seeking left‑handed middle‑order pop and a .389 OBP; the New York Mets, needing a replacement for Pete Alonso after his move to Baltimore; and the Arizona Diamondbacks, desperate for left‑handed production at first base. Bauers’ walk rate, defensive flexibility at first base and corner outfield, and postseason résumé make him one of the most sought‑after bats in a weak hitting market.
The latest round of MLB rumors as the Dec. 1 lockout looms, with notes on a Diamondbacks-Ketel Marte trade, Tarik Skubal's free agent price tag and more.
The AZ Snake Pit revisits a fan quiz that tested how well readers remember the 2026 Arizona Diamondbacks roster. After 80 attempts, the average score was 70%, with Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll topping the “95%+ club” at 98.7%. Surprising high recall includes first‑year Nolan Arenado (97.4%) and veteran Ildemaro Vargas (96.1%). Pitcher Zac Gallen led starters at 96%, while relievers Kevin Ginkel (84%) and Derek Law (83%) also fared well. At the low end, bullpen arms like Andrew Hoffmann and Zack Littell fell below 25%, and position player Luken Baker was remembered by only 32% of participants. The full leaderboard details every player’s recognition rate.
As the Arizona Diamondbacks enter the offseason, the future of star second baseman Ketel Marte remains murky.
The Mariners announce CJ Gillman as their new hitting coach while awaiting a manager, and pitcher Michael Arroyo faces an elbow scope with a slated return in April 2027. Ryan Blake shares 2027 projection insights, and Kate Preusser outlines key offseason dates. Washington State honors John Olerud with a new statue, and Seattle’s pioneering female umpire Christine Wren passes at 78. League-wide moves include the Astros hiring Randy Flores as GM, the Seibu Lions posting right‑hander Kaima Taira to MLB, and the Diamondbacks targeting controllable starters amid talks for Ketel Marte. Over The Monster warns the upcoming lockout could sour offseason optimism.
Long-time Padres bullpen coach Ben Fritz leaves San Diego for the Arizona Diamondbacks' pitching coach slot, deepening the Padres' offseason woes. Fritz, with the club since 2015 and bullpen coach since 2019, departs as ace Michael King also opts out of his contract. The article lists a growing roster of free agents and option players—including Ty France, Luis Rengifo, Casey Mize, Walker Buehler and Robby Ray—highlighting the massive roster turnover ahead of the 2027 season. New owners Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones face a rebuild with a vacant rotation, while other MLB news notes the Brewers' World Series parade and the Astros' GM hire.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are reigniting trade talks for second baseman Ketel Marte as they aim to reshape a roster that missed the playoffs for a third straight year. GM Mike Hazen acknowledges the need for change and says a controllable starter is a priority, while Marte, a 33‑year‑old with a $87.5 million contract through 2030, holds full no‑trade rights but only a five‑team list. He posted a down year in 2026, hitting .249 with 22 homers and 76 RBIs, and faced an unexcused absence that drew criticism from owner Ken Kendrick. MLB Trade Rumors ranks him No. 6 among offseason trade candidates, and interest from teams like the Blue Jays is already surfacing.
The article highlights several MLB updates, starting with newly appointed Phillies hitting coach Peter Fatse promising to revive the offense. It notes the Phillies' potential push into the Japanese market and warns of a looming lockout. In broader MLB news, the Milwaukee Brewers unexpectedly lead the 2027 power rankings, while the Arizona Diamondbacks face decisions on trading Ketel Marte and bolstering pitching. A lengthy offseason trade candidate list is also provided.