Diamondbacks must trade for one position to 'have a shot' at playoffs, per MLB insider

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May 25, 2026 - 21:03

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Diamondbacks must trade for one position to 'have a shot' at playoffs, per MLB insider originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

So far during the 2026 MLB season, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been a solid team with a 28-24 record. They're 4.5 games back in the NL West, and currently own the third and final Wild Card spot.

But, while the Diamondbacks are in decent shape in the playoff hunt right now, there is still some concern about whether this team will actually be able to stay in contention the rest of the season.

According to USA Today's MLB insider, Bob Nightengale, there is one position that the D-Backs should look to add to "have a shot" at returning to the postseason. That position? Relievers.

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"Their bullpen is still unstable, and if they're going to have a shot at the playoffs, they'll need to add veteran relievers at the deadline," Nightengale writes.

This is not a surprise for the Diamondbacks. The offense does have room for improvement, and the starting rotation isn't ideal either. But, in the bullpen, there is some concern.

Paul Seawald has a 3.72 ERA this season in 22 games, while Ryan Thompson has a 3.12 ERA, and Brandon Pfaadt has a 5.60 ERA this season so far.

Brandyn Garcia, Kevin Ginkel, Juan Morillo, and Taylor Clarke have actually been fairly strong for the D-Backs this season, but there is still room for improvement.

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Namely, if the Diamondbacks could go out and add someone like Aroldis Chapman to get a true dominant closer, their bullpen could take the next step to becoming a strength.

This isn't terrible until right now, but if the Diamondbacks could add a back-end closer-type to fill in for Seawald, the end of games would be a lot less stressful for the Diamondbacks.

Nightengale does mention that multiple relievers could be helpful for the Diamondbacks to have a shot at the playoffs, which is a bit interesting.

But, even if it's only one very good reliever, the Diamondbacks could still use a bit more help out of the bullpen, especially if they're committed to the current crop of starters who have struggled at times this season.