​Diamondbacks trade chatter could influence five pitchers, with Eduardo Rodriguez among those speculated to be on the move, a storyline originally reported by The Sporting News. You can add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Arizona Diamondbacks sit well back of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for the NL West, posting a 48-47 record heading into the All-Star break. That mark leaves them just 3.5 games shy of a Wild Card postseason berth, which remains their most realistic path to the playoffs this year. In this context, the Diamondbacks face a challenging decision at the trade deadline.
According to a rumor highlighted by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Diamondbacks could be sellers at the deadline, with five pitchers, including Eduardo Rodriguez, named as potential trade candidates this summer. Nightengale writes that the Diamondbacks, who have been mired in mediocrity, could move starters Eduardo Rodriguez, Michael Soroka, Merrill Kelly, and Zac Gallen, as well as closer Paul Sewald.
This is a notable rumor. If the D-Backs were to part with all of these pitchers, they could bring back a substantial return. However, it would also signal a surrender of the 2026 season’s contention bid, which would shock a club that is still within striking distance of a postseason spot. The situation could worsen after the All-Star break, potentially making a sell-off more palatable. If Arizona falls more than five games behind the wild-card cutoff by the trade deadline, it could open the door to a broader rotation sell-off.
Nightengale’s report suggests Rodriguez, Gallen, Soroka, Kelly, and Sewald could all be dealt this summer if the Diamondbacks decide to sell. Sewald, Gallen, Kelly, and Soroka are set to become free agents after the 2026 season, so moving four of them at once might not be shocking. Yet parting with Rodriguez—the All-Star right-hander who owns a 4.2 bWAR this season and a 2.29 ERA over 19 starts, under a four-year, $80 million contract that runs through 2027—would be a surprise.
This rumor is something Diamondbacks fans should monitor as the August 3 trade deadline approaches. If Arizona remains well out of the postseason picture in the NL Wild Card race, a significant rotation shakeup could unfold, potentially including Rodriguez. The chatter extends beyond one rumor, touching on various trade scenarios and potential targets that could shape how Arizona approaches the deadline and the next phase of its rebuild or competitive window.