Recent option and free agency decisions have left a gaping hole in the Arizona Diamondbacks offense. A certain Mike Hazen and his baseball operations group will have to be particularly creative to fill them, whether internally, via free agency or trades.

The latest round of options decisions was revealed by the Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic Friday afternoon. Joc Pederson declined his option and will test free agency. Additionally, the D-backs picked up the option of Merrill Kelly but declined their option on Scott McGough.

So the list of D-backs players entering free agency is now Christian Walker, Joc Pederson, Randal Grichuk, Josh Bell, Paul Sewald, Kevin Newman and Scott McGough.

Players whose options have been exercised are Jordan Montgomery ($22.5 million player option), Eugenio Suarez ($15 million club option) and Merrill Kelly ($7 million club option).

The Diamondbacks owe buyouts to Pederson ($3 million), Grichuk ($1.75 million) and McGough ($750,000). Note that option buybacks are paid in calendar year 2024 and go against the 2024 CBT payroll and budget. So when we release our payroll numberswe do not include these buyouts in the 2025 payroll figures.

One decision that remains to be revealed is whether or not the D-backs will extend a one-year qualifying offer to Walker. The amount this year is around $21 million. If Walker agreed to this, he would stay with the D-backs for one more year.

That seems unlikely, however, as he is determined to test free agency. If he rejects this offer, the D-backs would receive interim compensation. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are in the market for a first baseman, after declining their option on Anthony Rizzo.

The Diamondbacks now have huge holes to fill on offense. In 2024, Arizona led all of MLB with 5.47 runs per game. They ranked second behind the Dodgers in OPS (.777) and fifth in home runs with 211.

In 1,753 PA, the five free hitters listed above have combined for an .819 OPS, 69 home runs, 244 RBI and 10.2 WAR. This is what the D-backs need to replace this offseason.

Internal replacements include players such as Pavin Smith, whose 2024 season was reviewed by Aaron Hughes. Prospect Jordan Lawlar could see time at third base or even second base, if the D-backs move Eugenio Suarez to first base or use Ketel Marte more frequently at DH.

The Diamondbacks could still try to bring back one or more of the above free agents for 2025. We estimate the team has about $28 million to invest in free agents before reaching the same level of spending as ‘in 2024. current payroll commitmentsThat seems to be about $144 million, and they spent $172 million in 2024.

Just bringing Walker back on a multi-year deal would tie up more than $20 million of that amount. Pederson is looking for a multi-year contract with an average annual amount equal to or greater than the $14 million option he just declined. Grichuk just declined a $6 million option.

As these figures show, the budget is very tight. Additionally, Hazen indicated that expanding the bullpen was one of his priorities. Of course, it’s always possible that the team raises payroll again, even above the 2024 franchise record amount.

But without receiving the windfall playoff revenue they enjoyed during the run to the World Series in 2023, that would represent a truly unprecedented level of commitment from the owners.

One way for the team to free up some money would be to trade Jordan Montgomery. While it’s extremely unlikely any team could absorb his entire $22.5 million, it’s not unreasonable to assume the D-backs could move him by absorbing half that amount.

In the coming days, the Arizona ON SI Diamondbacks will dig deeper into the free agent and trade market, looking at all the options that could be available to the D-backs.