Diamondbacks Option Young Pitcher to Minors

The D-backs have a lot of faith in the 27-year-old righty, so much so that they inked him to a five-year, $45 million contract extension just as the 2025 season began. A highly regarded prospect who led the minor leagues in both innings pitched and strikeouts in 2022, Pfaadt made his MLB debut in 2023 and made 18 starts in his rookie year. Despite going just 3-9 with a 5.72 ERA, he pitched well in the postseason by logging a 3.27 ERA and 3.35 FIP in five starts as the Diamondbacks made an unlikely run to the World Series.

In 2024 and 2025, Pfaadt made a combined 65 starts and tossed 358.1 innings, striking out 332 batters against 79 walks despite an elevated 4.97 ERA. Having established himself as a durable innings-eater, it was surprising that the D-backs chose to convert Pfaadt into a long reliever after Merrill Kelly returned from the injured list and rejoined the rotation.

So far, this decision has backfired. The righty did struggle in his first three starts with a 5.94 ERA in 16.2 innings, but Pfaadt's relief outings have been just as difficult while providing significantly less length. He has a 5.91 ERA in 10 appearances out of the bullpen, and pitched at least three innings in just three of them despite being a long reliever. Pfaadt's last five appearances have all lasted less than two innings.

The decision to stretch Pfaadt back out could be a response to a setback in ace Corbin Burnes' rehab. Burnes, who was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and expected to return after the All-Star break, suffered a teres major strain and is now expected to be out until September. With Burnes still out long-term, the D-backs now have a need for a starter again.

If Pfaadt can build up his pitch count and tap into his full potential, then the D-backs would have an excellent weapon down the stretch. Entering their series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, Arizona has a 32-29 record and is just a half-game out of the final NL Wild Card spot.