Brandon Pfaadt has officially signed a five-year, $45 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a move that emphasizes the team’s commitment to securing its young talent. This deal, starting in 2026, showcases Pfaadt's impressive performance last season, where he achieved an 11-10 record and a 4.71 ERA, while also contributing significantly during the D-backs' postseason surge that led them to the World Series.

At just 26 years old, Pfaadt is becoming a crucial asset for the D-backs, following other key extensions given to players like Geraldo Perdomo and Justin Martinez. His consistent pitching, highlighted by a career-high 185 strikeouts across 32 starts, positions him as a future cornerstone of the franchise.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed pitcher Brandon Pfaadt to a five-year, $45 million contract extension, showing faith in his potential despite a rocky start in the league. The deal, which includes a $21 million team option for 2031, likely buys out his first free-agent year and potentially secures a second through a mutual option for 2032.

Pfaadt, who was drafted in the fifth round in 2020, has had a mixed career thus far, with a career 5.06 ERA over one and a half seasons. However, he proved himself during the Diamondbacks' journey to the 2023 World Series, delivering strong performances in crucial playoff matches, including shutout outings against the Dodgers and Phillies.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have secured young right-hander Brandon Pfaadt with a five-year contract worth $45 million, commencing in 2026. The deal also includes a club option for 2031 and a mutual option for 2032. Pfaadt, 26, had a solid season last year, recording an 11-10 record with a 4.71 ERA and achieving career highs in starts (32), innings (181 2/3), and strikeouts (185). He played a pivotal role during the Diamondbacks' 2023 postseason run, posting a strong 3.27 ERA across five playoff starts.

This contract is part of Arizona's strategy to extend their talented young roster, following the recent signings of shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and reliever Justin Martinez. Pfaadt’s extension reflects the team’s commitment to building a competitive future.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are making a pivotal decision in their pitching rotation, opting to award the final spot to Brandon Pfaadt over Jordan Montgomery. Montgomery, who struggled in the previous season and hasn't shown promise during spring training, will be relegated to a long relief role despite his high salary of $22.5 million. This decision reflects the team's ambition to improve after narrowly missing the postseason last year.

The D-backs' manager, Torey Lovullo, expressed the weight of last season's disappointments in the decision-making process. The team is actively engaging in trade discussions regarding Montgomery, asking potential suitors to absorb a significant portion of his salary. Lovullo remains optimistic about Montgomery's potential, believing that he is still finding his form after an injury setback. However, the management is prioritizing immediate performance over long-term considerations, recognizing the risks of having Montgomery start in a tight playoff race.

Garrett Crochet's transition from an injury-prone reliever to a top-notch starter exemplifies the phenomenon of post-hype sleepers. Players like Joey Bart, Luis García Jr., and Jurickson Profar also showcase the resurgence of talent that can be overlooked by impatient fantasy managers. This season, several players are positioned to break out, including first-round pick Nolan Schanuel, who could leverage his speed and on-base skills into significant power. Brandon Pfaadt, Gavin Williams, and MacKenzie Gore are pitchers with the potential for breakout seasons despite previous struggles, while Jonathan Aranda offers strong minor league credentials and a chance to seize a DH role.

Fantasy managers should keep an eye on these players and consider their potential to provide excellent late-round or waiver wire value.