Diamondbacks to sign Michael Soroka

Published: Monday, December 8, 2025 at 2:25 pm

Diamondbacks Bolster Pitching Staff with Michael Soroka Signing

The Arizona Diamondbacks are adding veteran right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka to their roster, signing him to a one-year contract. This marks Soroka's second free-agent deal, following a previous agreement with the Washington Nationals.

Soroka, 28, has experienced a career marked by both promise and injury. He previously showcased strong performance as a starting pitcher, but struggled in his role with the White Sox. He later found success as a reliever. In 2025, he was moved back into a starting role with the Nationals before being traded to the Cubs. His recent performance includes a 4.52 ERA over 89 2/3 innings, with notable strikeout and ground-ball rates.

The Diamondbacks are in need of pitching depth, both in their starting rotation and bullpen. Soroka is expected to join the starting rotation alongside Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt. The team's general manager, Mike Hazen, is looking to strengthen the team's pitching staff.

Soroka's career trajectory was once highly promising. He was a top prospect and performed well in his first two seasons. However, injuries, including Achilles tendon tears and shoulder issues, have significantly impacted his playing time. He has not pitched over 100 innings in a season since 2018-2019.

The Diamondbacks are also exploring other moves to improve their roster. They are considering a reunion with pitcher Merrill Kelly and are looking at potential bullpen additions, including Pete Fairbanks. The team is also open to listening to offers for players like Ketel Marte, Alek Thomas, and Jake McCarthy.

The team's owner, Ken Kendrick, has indicated a reduction in payroll after last year's spending exceeded $200 million. Despite this, the team intends to remain competitive. The addition of Soroka pushes the projected payroll to just over $151 million.

BNN's Perspective:

The Diamondbacks' signing of Michael Soroka is a calculated move to address a clear need for pitching depth. While Soroka's injury history is a concern, his potential upside and the relatively low cost of the contract make it a worthwhile gamble. The team's commitment to remaining competitive despite a reduced budget suggests a pragmatic approach to roster building, focusing on value and strategic acquisitions.

Keywords: Michael Soroka, Diamondbacks, MLB, Baseball, Free Agency, Pitching, Starting Pitcher, Injury, Contract, Payroll, Roster, Trade, Rotation, Bullpen, Arizona, Mike Hazen, Ken Kendrick, Merrill Kelly, Pete Fairbanks, Ketel Marte, Alek Thomas, Jake McCarthy

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