Snakes Territory: An Arizona Diamondbacks Podcast

After a busy weekend for the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, is it time to put the Ketel Marte trade rumors to bed? We discuss the latest reports after the Red Sox' trade for Willson Contreras and a pair of big moves by the Rays.  In related news, is Alex Bregman still on the table for the D-backs? We discuss the latest reporting on the D-backs' interest. Plus, Jack presents a case for why the...

According to multiple reports, the Diamondbacks are a surprise entrant into the Alex Bregman sweepstakes. What kind of player is Bregman at this stage in his career, and what would he cost? Is there a way for the D-backs to acquire him without also trading Ketel Marte? We dive into all the details.  We also discuss the mutual option in Merrill Kelly's contract that was not initially reported and s...

According to multiple reports, the Diamondbacks have signed right-hander Merrill Kelly to a two-year contract, pending a physical. We discuss everything Kelly has meant to the Diamondbacks over the years and why it feels right that he is back.  We also discuss the relatively hefty price tag that it took to land him, and what this could mean for the D-backs' plans the rest of the offseason. Is trad...

The Winter Meetings have come and gone, and Ketel Marte is still a member of the Diamondbacks. Do we still expect that Marte will stay in Arizona, or have the odds flipped in favor of a trade?  We dive in to the latest reporting on the Marte sweepstakes, including a report that the D-backs discussed pitchers Shane Baz and Ryan Pepiot in a potential deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Would Baz and Pepio...

The Diamondbacks made their biggest move of the offseason on Monday by signing right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka to a one-year contract. What role will Soroka fill in Arizona, and why did the D-backs make the commitment? Does this mean the team is unlikely to bring Merrill Kelly back? Meanwhile, the Ketel Marte saga continues as trade talks pick up steam. We discuss general manager Mike Hazen's...

With the Winter Meetings around the corner, the Diamondbacks have reportedly had discussions with free agent closer Pete Fairbanks. What would Fairbanks bring to the D-backs, and would he be worth the cost?  We also take a look at the latest Ketel Marte trade rumors, including a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan that pegged the chance of a deal at 40%. We also discuss a specific mock trade with the B...

With Devin Williams reportedly getting over $50 million from the New York Mets, can the D-backs still afford a bonafide closer in free agency? We discuss the Williams deal, the Dylan Cease contract with the Blue Jays, the Ryan Helsley deal with the Baltimore Orioles and the overall state of the market.  Then, in this mailbag episode, we dive in to your questions on whether the D-backs should be mo...

A recent MLB.com story pegged the Diamondbacks as one of the most likely destinations for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. What would it take to get Arenado, and how much does he have left in the tank?  We also discuss a new report from JP Morosi that the chances of a Ketel Marte trade are "at least 50-50." Morosi also notes that the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies are...

With several Diamondbacks core players having signed extensions over the past few years, could Ryne Nelson be next? We discuss what a Nelson extension might look like and reasons to do it for both the D-backs and Nelson himself. Meanwhile, the D-backs made an actual move since our last episode, re-signing catcher James McCann to a one-year contract. We also discuss the D-backs' reported interest i...

Special guest Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic joins to discuss his D-backs takeaways from the GM meetings — including the latest on a potential Ketel Marte trade.  We also dive in to a recent story Nick wrote about the Diamondbacks' ongoing issues with pitcher development, his latest top prospects list at Baseball America, the D-backs' upcoming non-tender decisions and more.  Join Jesse Fried...

Former Diamondbacks first baseman signed back with the Seattle Mariners for a reported five years and $92.5 million. Given Naylor's power regression, did the Mariners pay too much? We also reflect on Naylor's short but memorable Diamondbacks career.  Meanwhile, we ponder a larger D-backs offseason question: Should they consider a quick rebuild? We discuss what that would look like and why it might...

It's no secret that the Diamondbacks will focus on pitching this offseason, but could they also land a top position player? In this mailbag episode, we discuss the possibility of the D-backs signing Pete Alonso — a proposal made by ESPN's Jeff Passan.  We also discuss what a D-backs package for Tarik Skubal might look like, as well as whether it would be worthwhile to trade Ketel Marte for two yea...

With several key players hitting free agency and the Diamondbacks widely expected to cut payroll, can the club really field a contender in 2026? We discuss whether Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen is boxed in before the offseason even begins. We also dive into all the D-backs reporting from the GM Meetings, including the latest on a potential Ketel Marte trade and why one of Jake McCarthy o...

To the surprise of no one, the Diamondbacks extended a one-year, $22.05 million qualifying offer to Zac Gallen that Gallen is widely expected to reject. Could that somehow change? Is it possible that Scott Boras will overplay his hand and Gallen will wind up back with the D-backs?  In other news, the D-backs made several notable roster moves, including cutting both Ildemaro Vargas and John Curtiss...

The Dodgers won the World Series again; is it time for Major League Baseball to implement a salary cap once and for all? We discuss whether the Dodgers are ruining baseball and why implementing a cap might be much more complicated than most realize.  Meanwhile, Geraldo Perdomo was not named an NL MVP finalist and Corbin Carroll lost out on the NL Gold Glove Award in right field. Were either of the...

The Diamondbacks need starting pitching; could they find it on the trade market? In this episode, we take a look at 5 prominent starting pitchers that could reportedly be available via trade, including Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene and Detroit Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal.  What would it take to pry these star pitchers away, and why would their respective teams be willing to move them in...

Framber Valdez? Munetaka Murakami? Brandon Woodruff? Jim Bowden dropped his top 50 free agents list with contract predictions, and we dive in to find the best fits for the D-backs. Could the D-backs actually sign one of the top Japanese free agents? Is a Josh Naylor reunion in play? Given the team's expected payroll cut, we take a particularly close look at some potential bargain options on Bowden...

With Daulton Varsho playing a meaningful role for the World Series-bound Toronto Blue Jays, we revisit the trade that sent Varsho to Toronto and brought Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to the D-backs. Despite positive early returns for the D-backs, has Varsho's surge the past couple of seasons given the Blue Jays the upper hand? We dive in to the numbers.  Next, we discuss all of the key da...

Fresh off receiving the D-backs Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award, right-hander Daniel Eagen joins the show to discuss his impressive professional debut, bonding with Hillsboro Hops fans and much more.  Along the way, we hit on Eagen's developing pitch arsenal — including a new split changeup that he's been working on — his college days at Presbyterian, adjusting to the ultra-hitter-friendly...

D-backs radio pre/post host Steve Zinsmeister joins the show to discuss some of the positives from a largely underwhelming D-backs' season.  Corbin Carroll cemented himself as a star. Geraldo Perdomo took a leap that no one anticipated. Ryne Nelson continues to emerge as one of baseball's better young starting pitchers.  We also discuss a report that the D-backs are kicking the tires on a reunion...

After reports surfaced that the Diamondbacks will shop Ketel Marte this winter, we do a deep dive on Marte's value and what the D-backs might look for in a potential trade. Should a Marte trade be viewed as likely?  We discuss which starting pitchers could be had in the trade market and take a closer look at the D-backs' internal options. Is getting two starters this winter a necessity?  Finally,...

After yet another year of bullpen stability, will the Diamondbacks make a significant investment in the backend of their bullpen this winter? We discuss the team's current financial situation and whether it could afford to add a big-name reliever this offseason.  Specifically, we dive in to six potential closer targets that are available in free agency and explain the pros and cons for each. Could...

With Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen's job security potentially in question next year, could we see him be particularly aggressive when upgrading the team this offseason? On this mailbag edition of the show, we discuss a variety of questions along those lines.  Is the team more likely to bring back Merrill Kelly or Zac Gallen this offseason? Could they bring back? If they were to pursue a...

It's no secret that Merrill Kelly has interest in returning to the Diamondbacks this winter, but could the D-backs afford him? We take a look at comps from the past few years and attempt to project Kelly's value on the open market.  Meanwhile, first baseman Tyler Locklear is set to undergo a major elbow/shoulder surgery. What does it mean for the team's first base situation heading into 2026? A re...

The Diamondbacks' 2025 season has officially come to an end, and both manager Torey Lovullo and GM Mike Hazen spoke with the media on Tuesday about a wide range of topics. What was the team's thinking in retaining Lovullo heading into next year?  Meanwhile, Hazen discussed the team's priorities this offseason, from improving the defense to potentially adding a closer. Which position is Blaze Alexa...