D-backs dominating offseason -- and aren't done yet

This story was excerpted from Steve Gilbert’s D-backs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

The D-backs have followed up their strong showing on the field in 2023 with an equally impressive offseason.

Not content to rest on their laurels after making the franchise’s first World Series appearance since 2001, the D-backs’ front office has been aggressive in both the trade and free-agent markets.

Here’s a look at their bigger moves:

• Nov. 22: Acquired third baseman Eugenio Suárez from the Mariners in exchange for Minor League right-hander Carlos Vargas and catcher Seby Zavala.
• Dec. 8: Signed left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to a four-year, $80 million free-agent contract with a club option for 2028.
• Dec. 17: Re-signed outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to a three-year, $42 million deal with a 2027 option, a source said.

Go back to GM Mike Hazen’s end-of-the-season press conference, and you will see that he laid out the team’s offseason priorities:

1. Add a veteran starting pitcher.
2. Add a right-handed-hitting third baseman.
3. Add another right-handed bat to the lineup.

Check, check and check.

And the D-backs are not yet done. They still have the payroll flexibility to add a right-handed-hitting designated hitter and make some minor additions to the bullpen.

Yes, the D-backs made the playoffs and had a Cinderella run to the World Series, but Hazen and company took a realistic view of that team, which was outscored during the regular season. His comments a day after their elimination indicated so.

“We know we have a lot of work to do,” Hazen said that day. “We know there are areas of our team that we want to try to improve. You know, I think this run of 30 days or so highlighted some of our best baseball. I think the 84 wins during the regular season highlighted some of the areas where I feel like I need to make improvements, that we need to make improvements to be even better next year.”

It's clear he wasn’t fooling around.

It’s also obvious that ownership was serious about spending money this offseason. Managing general partner Ken Kendrick said as much after the press conference to announce the Rodriguez signing.

“We’d like to think we can have greater revenue streams going into next season, when more people want to come out and watch our team play,” Kendrick said. “And we’re going to re-invest. The Diamondbacks are going to go on the field this year with the highest payroll in the history of the team. I’m not going to tell you what it will be, but it will be the highest payroll we’ve ever had.”

With their younger players not making big money just yet, this is the perfect time for the D-backs to be aggressive financially. Aces Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly are under contract or club control for the next two seasons, so now is Arizona’s chance to make the most of those years.

That’s exactly what they’re attempting to do.