Diamondbacks agree to deal with RHP Michael Soroka

Michael Soroka. Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Diamondbacks make early move at Winter Meetings, agree to deal with RHP Michael Soroka

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Dec 8, 2025 2:13 PM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks wasted no time getting to work at the open of MLB's Winter Meetings. On Monday, the Diamondbacks made a move to shore up their pitching staff.

Arizona has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with right-hander Michael Soroka. And after spending the 2025 season with both the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs, Soroka, 28, will now look to help the Diamondbacks get back the playoffs in 2026.

Michael Soroka signing signals Diamondbacks' desire to spend less on staff in 2026

Soroka's new contract with Arizona reportedly includes performance bonuses that could see it reach $9.5M, signaling a desire to trim payroll and guaranteed money compared to where they were at the start of last season.

D-backs, RHP Michael Soroka agree to 1-year deal, per multiple reports including MLB's @Feinsand.

(MLB x @CohnReznick) pic.twitter.com/1zB0alXe1J
— MLB (@MLB) December 8, 2025

The Diamondbacks had a 2025 Opening Day payroll of about $195M, the largest in franchise history. But despite its investment, Arizona only managed to go 80-82 on the year, enduring a significant dip from winning 89 games during the 2024 regular season and reaching the World Series the year prior.

Michael Soroka pitched better last season than his record indicates

In 17 starts last season, Soroka only posted a 3-8 record with a 4.52 earned run average. However, he also struck out 95 batters and held opposing hitters to a .216 batting average.

Soroka does also have a track record of being a high end starter, granted he's not been cast in that role since 2019. In 2019 with the Atlanta Braves, where he spent the first four seasons of his career after being drafted in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft, Soroka went 13-4 and posted a 2.68 ERA in 29 starts. He recorded 142 strikeouts and registered a WHIP of 1.111.

Soroka will now join a Diamondbacks rotation that still includes carryovers Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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