The Diamondbacks have agreed to sign veteran right-hander Zack Littell, a source said, in a move that gives them additional rotation depth less than a week after they were unable to land another starting pitcher ahead of the trade deadline.
Littell, 30, has a 4.97 ERA in 112 1/3 innings this season for the Washington Nationals. He split time in the rotation and logged bulk innings in relief. He could end up in a similar role with the Diamondbacks.
Littell was designated for assignment by the Nationals last week and cleared waivers, ostensibly because he had a $4 million buyout on a 2027 mutual option, thus becoming a free agent. The Diamondbacks will be on the hook only for a prorated portion of the league minimum.
The Diamondbacks had hoped to
add a starting pitcher at the deadline but were unable to do so. They were on the verge of acquiring right-hander Clay Holmes, but the New York Mets backed out of a potential deal due to concerns about a Diamondbacks prospect’s medical history.
Littell had been a solid back-end starter the past two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds, posting a combined 3.73 ERA in 61 starts between 2024 and 2025. He has not been as effective this season, though he did enjoy stretches of effectiveness for the Nationals.
The Diamondbacks are getting right-hander Michael Soroka back from the injured list to start on Monday, Aug. 10, vs. the Colorado Rockies. Left-hander Mitch Bratt is still expected to start on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks to sign veteran starting pitcher, sources say
