The Arizona Diamondbacks are making bold moves to secure their future, but here's where it gets controversial: are they doing enough to lock down their young talent? In a race against the clock, the Diamondbacks have successfully avoided arbitration with three key players: catcher Gabriel Moreno, outfielder Alek Thomas, and pitcher Ryan Thompson. This strategic maneuver comes just ahead of Thursday’s MLB arbitration deadline, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what’s next for the team’s five remaining arbitration-eligible players: A.J. Puk, Kevin Ginkel, Ryne Nelson, Jake McCarthy, and Pavin Smith.
But here’s the part most people miss: Arbitration is a high-stakes game of salary negotiation that kicks in once players hit three years of major league service time—unless the team and player agree on terms beforehand. This process continues until the player reaches free agency. However, the Diamondbacks have sidestepped this drama with players like shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and outfielder Corbin Carroll, who are already locked into long-term deals.
Let’s dive into the details of the three players whose arbitration was avoided, along with their reported salaries:
Gabriel Moreno has emerged as a cornerstone for the Diamondbacks, agreeing to a $2.55 million deal, according to Francys Romero. At just 26 years old in February, Moreno is a rare find: a young catcher who can both hit and defend at an elite level. His .278/.348/.754 slash line, 8.5 bWAR, and Gold Glove over three seasons speak volumes. Last year, he posted his best offensive numbers yet, with a .786 OPS, .285 batting average, and nine home runs. Defensively, his blocking, framing, and pop time are off the charts. But here’s the controversial question: Can he stay healthy? After four trips to the injured list in three years, including a freak thumb fracture in Cincinnati, durability remains a concern. Additionally, his game-calling skills are still a work in progress, with veteran James McCann taking the lead late in the season. If the Diamondbacks continue their trend of extending young stars, Moreno is a no-brainer—but will they?
Alek Thomas, who settled for $1.96 million as reported by Mark Feinsand, is a former top-20 prospect who has yet to fully break out. After a healthy 2025 season with a career-high 143 games, his .659 OPS was a personal best but still 18% below league average. His strikeout rate climbed, his walk rate dropped, and too many batted balls rolled over to the right side. Is Thomas a building block or a question mark? His defense improved in the second half, highlighted by a jaw-dropping catch at Petco Park in July, but at 25, time is ticking for him to prove his worth.
Ryan Thompson, signing for $3.95 million as per Ari Alexander, has been a reliable reliever since joining the Diamondbacks in 2023. With 128 appearances, the submariner played a pivotal role in Arizona’s 2023 playoff run and pennant win. Despite a rough May last season, he bounced back with a 1.40 ERA from June 1 onward, allowing just three earned runs in 25 appearances. But here’s the catch: This is his final season under contract, and with Ginkel and Puk in the same boat, the Diamondbacks face tough decisions about their bullpen’s future.
And this is the part that sparks debate: Are the Diamondbacks doing enough to secure their young core, or are they risking instability by not locking down more players long-term? What do you think? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take on whether these moves set the Diamondbacks up for success or leave them vulnerable down the road.
