According to RosterResource estimates, the Diamondbacks spent about $191.3MM in payroll through 2025, which translates to a luxury tax figure of $214.8MM. The Snakes are currently expected to be paid $195.2MM plus a tax figure of $223.7MM, as general partner Ken Kendrick stated last September that his club “it will not use at the same level” ended up being wrong.
Kendrick addressed the topic while speaking with Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic and other reporters at Diamondbacks spring camp, saying only that “well, sometimes you surprise yourself in life with what you do.” The D’Backs are slated for their third consecutive salary increase since the team won the NL pennant in 2023, and even though they haven’t made it back to the postseason, Kendrick is still determined to keep the team in contention.
“I want us to succeed. I want our fans to feel that we are willing to invest all the money we can and put the best team we can put together on the field….I don’t want to overplay it, but, to a certain extent, we are working with the fans.,” Kendrick said.That’s how I see what we do. We are in partnership with our fans. They make money by buying tickets and coming to football games and supporting us. And as a good partner, we need to take the money they spend and invest it wisely, and that’s what we’re trying to do..”
The spending may never end, as Kendrick said “we have some room beyond where we are, but we don’t have a ton of room….Do we have a chance to add from now? Yes, it is possible. It’s unlikely to be worth much, but we have some room to add without getting into tax trouble.”
The D’backs are still shy of the $244MM luxury tax liability, although their current figure of $223.7MM is as close as the organization has crossed the tax line. While Kendrick has obviously allowed himself some big spending, it’s probably safe to assume that $244MM is Arizona’s budget cap, although the team has room to maneuver in terms of improvements at the trade deadline.
Extending the salary reportedly put the D’Backs in the red, as Piecoro heard from sources that the club is about to lose $30MM in 2025. It’s always a source of speculation as to how much or how little an MLB team (other than the Braves, whose owners are publicly owned) actually makes given all the money that goes into the club’s education, a lot of money is lost to the club. didn’t stop Kendrick from continuing to spend on a roster he believes is capable of great things. Some spending money to ensure a more competitive team may be the most logical way to bring a team back into the dark, as a winning product leads to higher attendance, higher TV ratings, and more games in the form of playoff championships.
More moves could come before Opening Day, though not on a low spending scale. John Gambadoro of 98.7 Arizona Sports writes that the D’Backs are looking to trade for a utility player. This new addition will replace what was recently sold Blaze Alexander as a multi-positional asset off the Diamondbacks bench. While Alexander’s straight game may not be the best, Alexander is a right-handed hitter who has seen time as second base, third base, shortstop, left field, and center field during his two seasons in the desert.
Most of Arizona’s offseason spending was invested in two familiar faces. Zac Gallen spent most of the winter on the free agent market after turning down a qualifying offer from Arizona, but this past week returned to the fold in a one-year, $22.025MM deal that is technically the same as QO’s price, though $14MM in cash has been deferred. After the D’Backs trade Merrill Kelly to the Rangers at the trade deadline, Kelly was brought back in December on a two-year contract worth $40MM in guaranteed money, with a buyout option that includes the 2028 season.
Shortly after Kelly re-signed, reports surfaced that the team on the West Coast had made Kelly a three-year offer worth more than $50MM, and that the Padres were one of Kelly’s main attractions. Speaking to Piecoro and other media today, Kelly said the Padres have a three-year deal on the table, though he wouldn’t confirm the dollar amount. Regardless of any numbers involved, Kelly said her decision was largely based on her family. It’s possible that the Kelly family simply preferred to return to the normal situation of living and playing in Arizona, and Kelly himself said last summer amid trade speculation that he would be open to re-signing with the Snakes in free agency.
Turning to the injury update, manager Torey Lovullo told reporters (including Alex Weiner of 98.7 Arizona Sports) that first baseman Tyler Locklear you are not expected to return until the middle of May or perhaps the beginning of June. Locklear underwent twin surgeries to repair both a labrum problem in his left shoulder and a torn ligament in his left elbow. It was hoped that Locklear would be ready to return to the Diamondbacks’ lineup by April, though today’s news puts a more tentative timeline in place.
Locklear will start the season on at least the 10-day injured list, and a move to the 60-day IL will happen if the D’Backs are sure Locklear won’t be ready by the end of May. The team can continue to monitor his progress throughout Spring Training and into April without penalty, as the transition to the 60-day IL will still keep Locklear’s induction date as Opening Day.
Over 47 games and 165 career plate appearances with the Mariners and Diamondbacks, Locklear hit .169/.255/.277 against the Major Leagues. His impressive minor league numbers point to plenty of potential, even when healthy, for Locklear’s potential teammate. Pavin Smith originally the foundation is now filled by Carlos Santana. With Arizona without a DH set, there is room for Locklear to gain at-bats along the way, but over the next three months, his only priority is completing his rehab.
