MLB Insider Names Diamondbacks Veteran as Potential Trade Option

Even though the MLB trade deadline is a couple of months away, there could be some early movement for teams losing games and falling out of the playoff race.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of those right in the middle, and they enter May 11 with a 19-20 record, but being in the same division as the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres certainly doesn't help.

The Diamondbacks could wait some time before deciding whether they want to buy or sell, but it seems more likely that they sell and add pieces for the future than go all-in, especially with the way the Dodgers and Padres are playing.

While there are some options for Arizona to move at the deadline -- including Merrill Kelly- the most realistic option could be veteran Eduardo Rodriguez, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote.

"Rodriguez is pitching as well as he ever has in his career, going 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in his first seven starts. He is earning $21 million this year and $19 million in 2027. Yet, he could add another $17 million to the deal with a vesting option in 2028 if he pitches 150 innings in 2027 or a combined 300 innings in 2026-2027. He would be the perfect piece to move if the Diamondbacks not only wanted to replenish their farm system, but also save money."

Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson and Michael Soroka are other options, but Rodriguez has pitched well and brings contract control for a team interested in acquiring him.

Will Arizona Sell This Year Again?

A year ago, the Diamondbacks moved several players at the deadline once it seemed like they wouldn't make the postseason.

Arizona moved on from Kelly, as well as Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor, and Kelly returned to Arizona in free agency.

Corbin Burnes is expected to come back sometime in August, which will be a massive boost for Arizona, but it might be too late at that point for the team to make any sort of playoff run.

Right now, the Diamondbacks have some time to see how things play out over the next six weeks, but there are several options on the trade market if they decide to sell once again.

Related: Giants' 2-Time All-Star Named as Trade Candidate Amid Disappointing Start

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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 1:12 PM.