Aug 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Michael Soroka (41) throws the ball against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images David Banks-Imagn Images

Diamondbacks Make Signing Official, DFA Right-hander

Originally posted on Arizona Diamondbacks on SI
By Alex D'Agostino | Last updated Dec 12, 2025 3:18 PM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks have made it official. The D-backs have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka on a one-year, $7.5 million deal, with $2 million in incentives and a mutual option for 2027.

To make room for Soroka on the 40-man roster, right-handed reliever-starter hybrid Bryce Jarvis was designated for assignment.

Diamondbacks Make Soroka Signing Official

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As had been previously reported, the D-backs are adding Soroka on a low-risk, low-cost deal, with hopes he will provide upside as a member of the starting rotation. While he is not expected to take on any sort of ace-like role, the hope is he'll provide some quality innings to raise the floor of the staff.

Soroka spent the first portion of 2025 with the Washington Nationals as a starter before he was traded to the Chicago Cubs and utilized in a bullpen role. Soroka struggled as a starter, but was excellent in relief.

Soroka pitched to a 4.52 ERA in 2025, but his 3.45 expected ERA suggested there was some merit to his efforts.

He owns a career 3.85 ERA, but has been unable to stay healthy for the majority of his career. The one season he delivered an innings load of 90-plus innings (his rookie 2019 season), he was an All-Star with a 2.68 ERA.

The move is a high-upside one, but likely won't be the final solution to a large-scale pitching problem for Arizona. They are still in need of a top-end starter and multiple leverage relievers this offseason, if they can manage to land such arms.

Arizona Diamondbacks DFA Bryce Jarvis

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Jarvis has spent time in and out of the majors in his tenure with the D-backs. In MLB, he's been used purely a a reliever, with a successful 3.19 ERA campaign over 59.1 innings in 2024.

It didn't go quite as well in 2025, as he pitched to a 5.73 ERA — though only over the course of 22 innings.

In the minor leagues, Jarvis was used as a starting pitcher. He made 19 starts for the Triple-A Reno Aces, and put forward an ugly 8.47 ERA, surrendering 74 earned runs in 78.2 innings. He issued 44 walks in that span, as well.

Jarvis was not necessarily a high-end contributor for the D-backs, but he did provide some length. He would have been in line to be the de facto No. 4 or 5 starter in the 2026 season, but the addition of Soroka will edge him out of that position.

Jarvis may return to the D-backs' organization if he clears waivers.