PHOENIX – After being major sellers at the trade deadline, the plans for the future are still unknown for the Arizona Diamondbacks as only time will tell if the moves Arizona made will be beneficial.
Jun 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The dust has settled, and the D-Backs have lost many key pieces from their ball club. The major question is with the return that the D-Backs got, can it provide a spark for a wildcard run, or has the focus shifted to 2026? Analyzing their path going forward starts with the most recent trades. In the trade for Merrill Kelly, the D-Backs acquired three pitching prospects from the Texas Rangers. One of the biggest issues that has been plaguing this Arizona D-Backs ball club has been the problems with their bullpen.
Newest members of the Arizona Diamondbacks:
Kohl Drake, a 25-year-old left-handed pitcher, was the No. 5 prospect in the Rangers organization according to MLB Pipeline. Drake was promoted to Triple-A Round Rock on July 1st and has a 1-1 record with a 5.19 ERA along with 17 strikeouts. Drake was a highlight name that the Diamondbacks knew could help out in the future.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) throws against the Chicago White Sox during spring training action at Chase Field March 26, 2019. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Image
Also coming over in the trade were pitchers Mitch Bratt and David Hagaman. Bratt, in Double-A-Frisco, had a 6-3 record with a 3.18 ERA. Hagaman has shone in Low-A-Hickory, as he has a 2.82 ERA in eight starts. Both 22-year-olds have a bright future, as MLB Pipeline has ranked them the No. 9 and No. 13 prospects in the Rangers organization.
May 31, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Scott McGough (30) watches on from the bullpen during the first inning after starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) allows nine runs against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
The waiting game paid off for Arizona, although it didn’t help them for this season. The Snakes seem to be gearing up for 2026 and beyond, but are ready to build up a pitching staff that has been abysmal lately. D-Backs General Manager Mike Hazen spoke on the MLB Trade Deadline, “I think, unfortunately, in my job and where we’re at looking forward and trying to put the best team on the field for 2026, certainly the best for the rest of 2025 to our ability.” (Credit: Alex D’Agostino | Sports Illustrated)
The season hasn’t gone according to plan for the D-Backs, but Arizona fans haven’t given up faith that the Snakes will be back on top sooner rather than later.
Zac Gallen stays with D-Backs after 2025 MLB trade deadline heats up
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
