Rotation picture and more offseason questions for D-backs

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It was a tough way for the D-backs' season to end, as all they could do was watch and hope the Mets somehow won that second game of the doubleheader 11 days ago. But it is what it is, and now we will switch into offseason mode.

Let's get started by looking at five questions the D-backs must answer this offseason.

1. What will they do about their free agents who were major offensive contributors this year?

The D-backs led MLB in runs scored in 2024, and some of the key contributors to that offensive firepower either are entering free agency or have contract options.

First baseman Christian Walker is a free agent, and while there is no question the D-backs want his Gold Glove defense and power bat back, he is likely to draw a lot of interest on the free agent market. Whether Arizona can meet his asking price remains to be seen.

Third baseman Eugenio Suárez had a miserable start to the year and was in serious danger of being designated for assignment before catching fire. Now it seems like almost a no-brainer that the D-backs will pick up his $15 million club option for 2025 rather than exercise a $2 million buyout.

Joc Pederson and Randal Grichuk formed a solid DH platoon, and both have mutual options for next year. Pederson's option is worth $14 million with a $3 million buyout while Grichuk's is for $6 million with a $500,000 buyout.

2. What will Jordan Montgomery do?

The D-backs signed the veteran lefty Montgomery to a one-year deal with a vesting option the day after the season opened. Suffice to say it was a year that Montgomery would like to forget, as he temporarily lost his spot in the rotation and compiled a 6.23 ERA.

Montgomery has a player option, so it's up to him to decide if he wants to stay in Arizona for another year at $22.5 million or once again enter free agency and hope to hit it big with a multi-year deal.

It's an important decision, because it could impact how much money the D-backs have to spend this offseason.

3. What to do about Zac Gallen?

Gallen is eligible for salary arbitration for the final time this winter, and he will be a free agent after the 2025 season. To this point, there have been no reported extension talks. Will Arizona try to extend Gallen this winter? Should the club trade him in the offseason and get something back? Or can the D-backs let the season play out, make him a qualifying offer next year and get a Competitive Balance Draft pick back for him if he signs elsewhere?

Sometimes it makes sense to try to get what you can for a pending free agent, but based on the D-backs' belief that they have a team capable of reaching the World Series again, trading their ace would seem hard to do and highly unlikely.

4. What to do about the bullpen?

The bullpen was a huge strength for the D-backs in the second half of 2023 and during their postseason run to the World Series that year. Almost the same cast of characters returned for '24 and the results were, well, not as good.

Paul Sewald will likely depart via free agency, but the club can bring back Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, Joe Mantiply, A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez next year. Do the D-backs trust that group enough to make only marginal additions, or do they need to get an experienced closer?

5. Who will be the new pitching coach?

It was a bit of a surprise when the D-backs parted ways with pitching coach Brent Strom, assistant pitching coach Dan Carlson and bullpen coach Mike Fetters. Yes, the pitching staff struggled in 2024 but they were also hit with a massive number of injuries.

Now, Arizona has to find replacements to work with a pitching staff the team hopes will be healthier in 2025.