Arizona Diamondbacks’ Pitching Prospects Are on the Rise

The Arizona Diamondbacks have long struggled with a lack of depth in their minor league pitching system, but recent moves suggest a shift in strategy. General Manager Mike Hazen and the front office made several trades at the 2025 Trade Deadline, focusing on acquiring young, high-upside pitchers. One of the most significant deals involved sending veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly to the Texas Rangers in exchange for three promising prospects: Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt, and David Hagaman.

This trade has sparked interest in the potential of these young arms, particularly Kohl Drake, who has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in the D-backs’ organization.

Kohl Drake: A Rising Star in the Pipeline

A recent article from Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter highlighted the most MLB-ready prospects for each team, and for the Diamondbacks, it was Kohl Drake. Currently ranked No. 6 among Arizona’s top prospects, Drake holds the top spot among the team’s pitching prospects. According to Reuter, Drake had a 4.23 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 106 strikeouts in 89.1 innings between Double-A and Triple-A last season. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 220 pounds, the left-handed pitcher has a high floor and is seen as a solid bet to become a back-end starter in the majors.

Reuter estimated that Drake has a 33% chance of making the D-backs’ opening day roster in 2026. While this projection may seem optimistic given the current state of Arizona’s rotation, it highlights the potential value of the lefty.

The Current State of Arizona’s Rotation

Arizona currently has five starting pitchers after adding Michael Soroka and the return of Kelly. Right-hander Cristian Mena is considered the most likely next man up if injuries or underperformance occur. However, Drake remains an intriguing prospect to watch. His performance in Reno was mixed, with a 9.18 ERA and two blowup starts, but he also had two solid outings before an injury cut his season short.

This inconsistency makes it difficult to predict whether Drake will make the Opening Day roster. However, his strikeout ability from the left-hand side is a valuable asset, and a mid-season call-up is entirely feasible.

Injuries and the Path to the Majors

Injuries have been a recurring issue for the Diamondbacks in recent seasons, with players like Kelly, Soroka, and Eduardo Rodriguez all struggling with health problems. These setbacks often force teams to take risks on younger prospects. Given this context, it seems almost guaranteed that Drake will reach the majors at some point during the upcoming season.

While a late-season call-up might be more realistic, there is always the possibility that unexpected events could accelerate his timeline. For now, fans can look forward to watching how Drake develops throughout the 2026 season.

Key Dates and Developments to Watch

As the Diamondbacks prepare for the 2026 season, several key dates and developments are worth keeping an eye on. The team’s international free agent signings, roster decisions, and player performances will all play a role in shaping the future of the franchise.

For now, Kohl Drake stands out as a name to watch. His combination of size, talent, and upside makes him a valuable piece of the puzzle as the D-backs continue to rebuild their pitching depth. Whether he reaches the majors sooner than expected or takes a more gradual path, his development is sure to be a focal point for fans and analysts alike.