Here's how the D-backs' 2025 roster could shake out

Predicting Opening Day rosters is always a challenge, and it’s even harder to do so before Spring Training gets underway.

There are a lot of moving parts with the Diamondbacks’ roster, particularly when it comes to the pitching staff. How they go about easing the logjam of starters will impact the composition of the bullpen.

Catcher (2): Gabriel Moreno, Jose Herrera
Moreno has proven to be a key cog in Arizona’s lineup, while Herrera has the leg up on the backup role heading into camp. The team wants No. 14 prospect Adrian Del Castillo to get some more work with Triple-A Reno.

First base (1): Josh Naylor
The Diamondbacks lost one of their stalwart players when Christian Walker, who won three straight Gold Glove Awards, left via free agency. Arizona swung a deal with the Guardians for Naylor and hopes that he can pick up the power deficit lost with Walker.

Second base (1): Ketel Marte
Marte was once again outstanding in 2024, and the Diamondbacks would like to give him some DH at-bats over the course of the year to lessen the wear and tear on his body.

Shortstop (1): Geraldo Perdomo
Perdomo is a pest at the plate with his sharp eye, but he really shines on defense, where he is the captain of the infield.

Third base (1): Eugenio Suárez
Three months into last season, it looked like Suárez might get released due to his massive struggles at the plate, but he rebounded in a big way in the second half, forcing the team to pick up his option for 2025.

Outfield (3): Corbin Carroll, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Jake McCarthy
The Diamondbacks listened to offers for McCarthy and Alek Thomas this winter, but they did not find what they wanted in return, so the duo will likely battle it out for the center-field job during Spring Training.

DH (2): Pavin Smith, Randal Grichuk
Smith figures to replace Joc Pederson as the left-handed part of the DH platoon. Both Grichuk and Smith can play some outfield, and Smith is a natural first baseman. Their ability to play in the field could keep their bats in the lineup while giving veterans like Marte, Naylor or Suárez time in the DH role to reduce their wear and tear.

Bench/Utility (2): Blaze Alexander, Grae Kessinger
The Diamondbacks need a backup shortstop and Alexander can play there, though he did have some defensive hiccups at the position in 2024. Look for Arizona to give Alexander reps in the outfield as well as third, short and second in the spring to increase his versatility. His speed and bat make him a valuable weapon off the bench. Kessinger is known to be a good defender at short, and both he and Alexander have Minor League options. Keep an eye on veteran non-roster invite Garrett Hampson in this mix.

Starting pitchers (5): Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt
Ryne Nelson was the team’s best pitcher over the final two months of 2024, so being left out of the rotation would seem unfair. It’s possible he could find his way into the rotation this spring or as a bullpen piece initially. Jordan Montgomery, who exercised his option for 2025 after a disappointing ’24, will likely get shifted to the bullpen.

Relief pitchers (8): A.J. Puk, Justin Martinez, Kevin Ginkel, Joe Mantiply, Ryan Thompson, Kyle Nelson, Ryne Nelson, Drey Jameson
The first five would appear to be locks, and it will be interesting to watch what happens with the final few spots. Jameson is coming off Tommy John surgery, but his explosive fastball and slider make him an intriguing bullpen piece as the team builds back up his innings. Arizona searched for another back-end-of-the-bullpen arm during the winter, but as of now, it looks like it will be the left-handed Puk and righty Martinez holding down the ninth inning.