SCOTTSDALE — When asked about the competition for bullpen positions during spring training, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo stated, “all eight” jobs are up for grabs.
While Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel are considered safer bets, the Diamondbacks boast a variety of relief options that include many new faces compared to last year.
Since the trade deadline until now, the D-backs have added several pitchers to the 40-man roster:
- RHP Juan Burgos (26)
- RHP Taylor Clarke (32)
- LHP Brandyn Garcia (25)
- RHP Andrew Hoffmann (26)
- RHP Kade Strowd (28)
- RHP Paul Sewald (35)
- RHP Grant Holman (25)
This list does not include several non-roster invitees like Jonathan Loaisiga, Isaiah Campbell, and Derek Law. The team must solidify its bullpen before reinforcements return from injury.
A.J. Puk (elbow) is confident of a return before July, while Justin Martinez aims for August (Tommy John surgery). Both players were co-closers heading into 2025 but are currently sidelined. Left-hander Andrew Saalfrank (shoulder) will not pitch this season.
With the new additions, the Diamondbacks find themselves with an abundance of choices as they determine who will secure the closer role and which combination of young pitchers best completes the bullpen.
Potential Closers for the Diamondbacks
It is evident that the Diamondbacks are keen on designating a closer.
The question of who will handle the ninth inning has been asked repeatedly as the team prepares for spring training, particularly after they utilized a record 17 pitchers in save situations last year.
“I’m hopeful we can solidify someone for that role rather than manage it the way we had to last September,” said general manager Mike Hazen.
It seems likely that the choice will come from experienced players. “I want a closer who is composed and can attack the strike zone,” Lovullo emphasized. “When I see a young pitcher doing that and it’s time, I may place them in a more critical role.”
Lovullo identified Sewald, Ginkel, and Thompson as the top candidates, citing their crucial roles in the previous season’s success.
Sewald, Ginkel, and Thompson
Sewald reported he is fully healthy after an injury-plagued 2025. Previously, he had only pitched 19.2 innings with Cleveland and Detroit, seeing a drop in fastball velocity.
During his last stint with Arizona, he lost the closer position mid-season after a strong start, but his presence was critical in their postseason run in 2023.
“I pitched at the end of last season to show I was healthy for free agency,” Sewald stated. “I felt good and had a normal offseason.”
Ginkel also battled shoulder issues last year, ending with disappointing stats but showed promise with a 1.98 ERA in his last 14 games.
Thompson, despite a rough stretch in May, concluded the season well, posting a strong ERA over his last 29 appearances, addressing previous concerns about tipping pitches.
Why Not Acquire a High-Profile Closer?
The free-agent market featured many established closers, who signed quickly for high prices.
Although Arizona considered signing a more expensive closer, they chose to invest in strengthening both their starting rotation and lineup instead.
“We talked about it, but we did not find an unlimited supply of those players,” Hazen mentioned. “We realize how vital the bullpen is, but we’re still finalizing our roster.”
The Diamondbacks also initially aimed to decrease payroll, but ended up investing in other roster areas, particularly their starting rotation.
Who Will Join the Diamondbacks’ Bullpen?
The bullpen’s veterans include Ginkel, Thompson, Sewald, and Clarke, comprising half the unit.
If a non-roster invitee like Loaisiga makes the team, that’s five members. Given that the starting rotation includes six pitchers, adjustments will need to be made.
There are two spots available for younger pitchers brought in, alongside the existing players in the organization. Thompson described the bullpen as well-stocked, indicating fierce competition is ahead in camp.
“We’re likely to see several players from Triple-A who could be major leaguers elsewhere,” Thompson said. “The competition will be exciting with plenty of flexibility in managing the bullpen.”
