With the Arizona Diamondbacks’ rotation decimated by injuries and underperformance, a trade for Dustin May offers the veteran stability and high-upside metrics needed to secure a serious postseason push.
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ biggest need has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
If the team hopes to make a deep postseason run, its current starting rotation is unlikely to provide enough stability.
Injuries have forced Arizona to rely heavily on inexperienced pitchers, while simply waiting for reinforcements to return represents a significant risk given the uncertainty surrounding several important starters.
Veteran Merrill Kelly has posted a 4.86 ERA in 109.1 innings across 19 starts while continuing to battle inconsistent command.
Zac Gallen, when healthy, carried the worst ERA among qualified starters at 6.34, another indication of how much the rotation has underperformed throughout the season.
There is also uncertainty surrounding the rest of the staff.
Ryne Nelson may not be able to fully build back up, while Corbin Burnes is not expected to return until September after recovering from Tommy John surgery and a right shoulder injury. Michael Soroka continues progressing, but there remains no timetable for his return.
Even when Burnes is healthy enough to pitch again, there is no guarantee he will immediately return to his previous level of effectiveness. The same can be said for Soroka.
Taken together, those circumstances leave Arizona facing a difficult reality as the trade deadline approaches.
The Diamondbacks simply need starting pitching, perhaps more than any other area on the roster.
Why May can help Diamondbacks
One pitcher who could help address that need is St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Dustin May.
May has a 4.38 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 109 innings over 21 starts this season. He’s also recorded 106 strikeouts against 35 walks. He gives interested teams an experienced starter capable of stepping directly into an MLB rotation.
According to Tim Britton from The Athletic, May’s combination of upside and underlying metrics should generate considerable interest before the deadline.
Britton noted that May has repeatedly shown flashes of his potential and continues to possess strong underlying indicators that will attract contenders.
He also pointed out that May brought back meaningful value at last year’s trade deadline despite a less productive season.
Britton suggested that, although St. Louis remains in the National League postseason race, the Cardinals never fully committed to this season and could decide to capitalize on one of their most valuable trade assets.
"May’s frequent glimpses of potential and his strong peripherals are sure to tantalize one of those teams this summer. (He brought back real value at the deadline during a worse individual season last year.) Although still in contention in the NL, St. Louis was never all-in on this season, and this is a chance to cash in a nice chip."
For Arizona, that profile makes May an intriguing fit.
Rather than waiting for injured starters to return with uncertain effectiveness, the Diamondbacks could add an established arm capable of immediately strengthening the rotation during the most important stretch of the season.
May’s trade value
May has long been regarded as one of MLB’s most talented pitchers because of his combination of athleticism, raw ability, and competitive approach.
Throughout his career, he has repeatedly demonstrated resilience while overcoming setbacks and continuing to work his way back to the mound.
That perseverance has earned respect and reflects the determination required to succeed at the highest level.
He also brings valuable experience facing strong lineups in meaningful games, something that cannot easily be replicated by younger pitchers still adjusting to MLB.
His ability to make in-game adjustments and compete through difficult situations gives him qualities that contenders often prioritize at the trade deadline.
For a Diamondbacks team searching for greater rotation stability, May offers both immediate experience and upside capable of making a meaningful impact right away.
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