Diamondbacks Secure Michael Soroka Signing
The Arizona Diamondbacks have confirmed the signing of free agent pitcher Michael Soroka. The agreement comes as a one-year contract valued at $7.5 million. According to reports, the deal includes potential incentives amounting to an additional $2 million.
Overview of Michael Soroka’s Career
At just 28 years old, Soroka is stepping into the Diamondbacks’ rotation. This marks the second free-agent contract of his career. He previously signed a one-year $9 million deal with the Washington Nationals after a challenging season with the Chicago White Sox. During that period, his performance as a starting pitcher struggled, but he excelled as a reliever towards the end of the season.
Performance Metrics
- 4.52 ERA over 89.2 innings
- 17 starts and six relief appearances
- Strikeout rate: 25.1%
- Walk rate: 7.7%
- Ground-ball rate: 44.1%
These statistics suggest that Soroka remains a valuable asset despite past challenges. He notably had an impressive start to his career, achieving a 2.79 ERA over 200.1 innings from late 2018 through the end of 2019. His excellent control was highlighted by a 5.9% walk rate and a 50.2% ground-ball rate.
Injury History and Future Prospects
Soroka’s journey has been impacted significantly by injuries, including two Achilles tendon tears and shoulder issues. He has not reached 100 innings in a season since his early career performance. Since 2019, he has pitched just 215.1 innings, raising concerns about his durability.
Integration into the Diamondbacks’ Rotation
The Diamondbacks have a pressing need for both starting and bullpen pitching. Soroka is expected to compete for a rotation spot alongside Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt. While initially designated as a starter, he could also be used in relief if necessary, depending on how the season unfolds.
Future of the Diamondbacks
The club’s management appears committed to improving their roster despite potential budget constraints. Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick has indicated the team’s payroll will decrease following a record-high expenditure of over $200 million last season. However, general manager Mike Hazen remains focused on enhancing pitching depth.
| Projected Payroll | 2019 Season ERA |
|---|---|
| $151 million | 3.39 ERA (Ryne Nelson) |
| Above 5.00 ERA (Eduardo Rodriguez and Brandon Pfaadt) |
The signing of Soroka is just one of several anticipated moves as Arizona looks to secure a competitive edge in the upcoming season. The team is actively exploring other deals, including potential additions to the bullpen and discussions around player trades.
