Last March, the Arizona Diamondbacks made the move to give starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt an extension. The two sides agreed on a five-year, $45 million contract.
Pfaadt was coming off a massive 2023 postseason and a good year in 2024. However, he took a bit of a step backwards last season.
His record was solid, going 13-9 across a career-high 33 starts, but his 5.25 ERA was a career-worst. He will look to return to form, especially early in the season, with Corbin Burnes still expected to be sidelined due to Tommy John surgery.
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Diamondbacks pitcher tagged as a huge ‘x-factor’ after signing extension last year
At the time of writing, it is still uncertain whether Arizona can come to terms with Zac Gallen. The front office’s goal of managing its payroll does not help the pursuit of the craft righty.
This would leave Merrill Kelly to serve as the club’s ace, followed by Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Pfaadt. Bleacher Report’s Joel Retuer points to Pfaadt as being the club’s biggest “x-factor.”
“Right-hander Brandon Pfaadt posted a 3.27 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 22 innings during the 2023 postseason and was arguably the team’s best starter in 2024, but he took a step backward last season with a 5.25 ERA over 176.2 innings. The D-backs gave him a five-year, $45 million extension last March, and he has the upside to be the No. 2 guy on this staff.”
Reuter believes Pfaadt has what it takes to rebound and could potentially work his way to being the No. 2 starter.
One thing to watch out for this upcoming season with Pfaadt is his cut fastball. It was something he was working on last season, and if he can dial that pitch in, that could open up a whole new game for the young right-hander.
