Spring training is less than two weeks away, but Arizona Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall sounds like he expects his club to remain active in the final days of the offseason.
“I think there’s enough opportunity out there that we can still see a move or two that can impact our team,” Hall said at the team’s annual charity golf event Jan. 30.
Hall highlighted a “complementary first baseman” and help on the pitching staff — he mentioned both the bullpen and rotation — as areas of focus.
Team officials have talked about trying to find a right-handed-hitting corner bat that would pair well with Pavin Smith at first base. The free-agent market still features a handful of players who fit that description, including a familiar name: Paul Goldschmidt.
The Diamondbacks have been on the lookout for bullpen help all winter and have added a pair of starting pitchers, Merrill Kelly and Michael Soroka.
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Merrill Kelly throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning, Aug. 13, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
That Hall still mentioned the rotation could be an indication the club is considering a reunion with free-agent right-hander Zac Gallen, who rejected the D-backs' qualifying offer in November and remains unsigned.
Hall was asked about the team's payroll space.
“We still have some room,” he said. “For a big splash, we’re probably going to have to get creative or look to move money if we’re going to do something really big. I think we’re pretty close to where we want to be, but we still have some room to make some moves.
“(Managing General Partner) Ken (Kendrick) has always been great in saying, ‘Let’s push the envelope,’ and that’s what we do. We don’t go into a season looking to make money. ... It’s all an attempt to bring a very competitive team to the field.”
Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick talks to the press, Jan. 15, 2025, in Phoenix.
Hall would not go into specifics but acknowledged the team finished deep in the red last year.
“It was a big number,” Hall said of the team’s financial losses. “Again, it just shows ownership’s willingness — and not just Ken. Everybody has to buy in.”
Pitchers and catchers open camp at Salt River Fields on Feb. 10, with the first full-squad workout coming on Feb. 15. Games begin on Feb. 20.
“I think we still have some moves to make,” Hall said. “We’re not done.”
Hall was speaking ahead of the Celebrity Golf Classic at Talking Stick Golf Club, an annual event that benefits active military and veterans.
This was the tournament’s 15th year in existence. Hall said it usually generates about $200,000 per year and has raised about $3.2 million in total.
