The Arizona Diamondbacks entered the 2026 season with another talented collection of starting pitchers. However, the five pitchers who open a season in the rotation are rarely enough to carry a team through an entire 162-game schedule.

Arizona is waiting for Corbin Burnes to make his decision regarding the opt-out clause in his contract.

Regardless of what Burnes decides, the Diamondbacks will likely lose Zac Gallen in free agency.

Gallen struggled during the season and also dealt with inflammation in his right elbow, adding further uncertainty to Arizona’s pitching plans.

Those potential departures could leave Eduardo Rodríguez, Ryne Nelson, Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt as the Diamondbacks’ remaining rotation options.

Adding depth is just as important as identifying the pitchers at the top of the rotation.

Arizona should explore re-signing Michael Soroka, who has said he would love to return, while also pursuing another starter from outside the organization.

Had Soroka remained healthy for the entire season, he may have challenged Rodríguez for recognition as the Diamondbacks’ ace.

Arizona signed Soroka to a one-year, $7.5 million contract during the offseason, and he looked much closer to the pitcher who earned an All-Star selection with the Atlanta Braves in 2019.

Soroka finished 9-5 with a 3.41 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 116 innings over 22 appearances (21 starts). It represented his largest workload since the 2019 season.

Bringing Soroka back would provide Arizona with more than another name for the rotation. He already understands the team, its coaches and the expectations surrounding the pitching staff.

That familiarity could allow him to enter 2027 without needing an extended adjustment period. It would also give the Diamondbacks a starter who has demonstrated that he can handle regular turns in the rotation when healthy.

Soroka’s return to form showed persistence after several seasons interrupted by physical problems. He rebuilt himself into a dependable starter rather than allowing previous setbacks to define the remainder of his career.

His controlled approach can help stabilize a rotation that may undergo significant changes. Soroka does not need to overpower every hitter to remain effective. He can rely on preparation, command and an understanding of how to navigate difficult situations.

He also provides flexibility because Arizona knows he can take on a meaningful starting role without being asked to carry the entire staff.

The Diamondbacks cannot depend solely on internal options after potentially losing multiple starters. They need enough depth to survive injuries, slumps and workload concerns throughout the season.

Re-signing Soroka would not eliminate the need for another external addition, but it would preserve one of Arizona’s most encouraging pitching developments from 2026 and reduce the number of rotation openings the team must fill.