The Arizona Diamondbacks are turning to an experienced member of the San Diego Padres coaching staff as they attempt to address one of their biggest weaknesses heading into the 2027 season.

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, Arizona is hiring Ben Fritz as its next pitching coach after pulling him away from San Diego, where he most recently served as the team's bullpen coach. The move comes after the Diamondbacks decided to move on from Brian Kaplan earlier this month.

Fritz will inherit a pitching staff that has struggled to consistently deliver results despite the organization's willingness to invest in established arms.

The 45-year-old brings considerable coaching experience to Arizona, including multiple seasons working with the Padres' major-league pitching staff. His playing career never reached the majors, but Fritz was selected by the Athletics in the first round of the 2002 MLB Draft.

He spent several years pitching in the minor leagues before continuing his career in independent baseball through 2010. Five years later, San Diego brought him into its organization as a minor league coach.

Fritz eventually earned a promotion to the major league staff, becoming the Padres' bullpen coach ahead of the 2020 campaign. He also briefly served as the team's pitching coach during the 2021 season after San Diego dismissed Larry Rothschild in August. Fritz finished the season in that position before Ruben Niebla was hired that October.

The Diamondbacks are hoping Fritz can help establish a more productive pitching operation, particularly after spending several seasons searching for consistency.

San Diego has experienced considerably better results during Fritz's time with the organization. Between 2020 and 2026, Padres pitchers recorded a combined 3.86 ERA, ranking among the better marks in baseball.

Arizona, meanwhile, posted a 4.55 ERA over that same period, placing it near the bottom of the league.

The projected rotation features Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodríguez and Brandon Pfaadt. Corbin Burnes is also expected to factor into the equation after spending much of the past two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, additional shoulder issues have created some uncertainty surrounding his workload.

Ryne Nelson could occupy another rotation spot, while Michael Soroka remains a potential option. Arizona and Soroka have reportedly expressed mutual interest in continuing their relationship.

The bullpen presents another challenge. Several familiar contributors, including Jonathan Loáisiga, Kevin Ginkel, Taylor Clarke, Ryan Thompson, A.J. Puk and Dennis Santana, recently reached free agency.

There are still some encouraging pieces in place. Justin Martínez returned late in 2026 following Tommy John surgery, while Brandyn Garcia and Juan Morillo emerged as promising bullpen options.