PHOENIX — After 24 hours of trade deadline scrambling by front offices around the league, the Arizona Diamondbacks were able to make one big move — and their only move.
Aug 2, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Cardinals right ielder Lars Nootbaar (21) gets on base on an error with a run scored against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
ESPN insider Jorge Castillo broke the news that the D-Backs were acquiring outfielder Lars Nootbaar in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Fans anticipated more moves as the deadline approached, but the team went quiet after Nootbaar’s trade was reported.
Supporters had mixed reactions to the team’s front office standing pat after the Nootbaar deal.
This is going to be a very difficult next month for the Diamondbacks with no pitching reinforcements delivered and no extra help at the deadline besides Nootbaar, especially with the other Wild Card contenders really loading up
— Jake Oliver (@DarthDbacks) August 3, 2026
Downright terrible day for the #Dbacks
– Did not address their 1B need
– Did not add a SP
– No closer
He’s really betting on returning players to be worth anything, something that has been proven to be an awful strategy.
Like Nootbar a lot, but yikes.
— Diamondbacks Prospects 🐍 (@dbacksprospectz) August 3, 2026
Today’s a terrible day to be a Diamondbacks fan. Just awful. Holy yikes their only move to is another crappy OF w/ .688 OPS to steal AB’s from Ryan Waldschmidt.
This was a CRAZY active deadline, Hazen couldn’t stop whiffing
— Goldschmidt Happened (@GoldyHappens) August 3, 2026
The Diamondbacks keep adding. Lars Nootbaar is a strong pickup who brings on-base skills, defensive versatility, and postseason upside. https://t.co/84d5iifbyN
— otile black (@OtienoClimax) August 3, 2026
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro had previously reported that Arizona wouldn’t dive into the blockbuster names, citing financial restraints that would keep the club from pursuing the most sought-after players. Still, the D-Backs remained linked to several value pitching options, including Casey Mize and Clay Holmes.
Neither pitcher was acquired by Arizona.
Arizona Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen introduces new starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez during a news conference at Chase Field on Dec. 12, 2023. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The quiet deadline has left fans wondering how Arizona plans to address its need for pitching moving forward. Instead, reports indicated the Diamondbacks will rely on the return of several injured players, treating those returns as additions for the final stretch of the season.
Some fans don’t see it that way, believing more could have been done to complement the current roster and that there is no certainty those injured players will perform at an elite level once they return. Others believe the current core has been able to reach this point even without those players, and that players like Justin Martinez and Corbin Burnes can provide a significant boost when they do return.
Jul 22, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (21) looks on in the dugout during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Fans will have their own opinions about Arizona’s trade deadline. With the front office finished making moves after acquiring a left-handed power hitter, the focus now shifts to the remainder of the season.
Whether waiting on injured players proves to be enough remains to be seen.
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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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