PHOENIX — It looks like the Arizona Diamondbacks are leaning toward bringing back some talent to the desert ahead of the 2026 season.
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Sep 13, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) and relief pitcher John Curtiss (46) celebrate the win over the Minnesota Twins after ten innings at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
According to Sports Illustrated’s Alex D’Agostino, right-handed reliever John Curtiss has signed a minor league deal with the team. Curtiss was a key part of the Diamondbacks’ bullpen, providing much-needed consistency and valuable innings in tight games.
In 2025, Curtiss posted a 3.93 ERA over 36.2 innings, striking out 24 batters while recording a 0.92 WHIP.
Sep 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher John Curtiss (46) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The re-signing offers insight into how Arizona wants to shape its bullpen. Curtiss has been reliable, and while there were a few hiccups late in the season, they were not enough for the team to move on from him. Consistency remains a need and the right-hander provides exactly that.
Curtiss is also familiar with the organization and how it operates. Unlike other additions such as Michael Soroka and Jose Urquidy, he already understands the team’s expectations and doesn’t need to start from scratch.
Sep 16, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher John Curtiss against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With the free-agent pitching market thinning, the Diamondbacks know the path to retooling for next season is becoming more difficult. Retaining a veteran arm who understands the organization could prove valuable as the offseason continues.
Arizona still has work to do in addressing other roster needs and is expected to have more news on trades and signings in the coming weeks.
The #Dbacks have re-signed “Big” John Curtiss to a minor league contract.
Curtiss had a 3.93 ERA (4.34 xERA, 3.5% walk rate) over 30 appearances (36.2 IP) for Arizona in 2025.
His fastball was highly successful with a bit of luck (.159 BA against, .244 xBA against). pic.twitter.com/DWPkaxnt45
— Arizona Diamondbacks | Stats & Info (@DbacksStatsInfo) December 18, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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