It’s officially 2026, and the DBacks Dispatch crew is back for the start of the year! In the first episode of the new year, hosts Brett, Gabe, and Brandon got straight to the point about what is on every
fan’s mind this off-season.
From the non-stop rumors about a Ketel Marte trade to some dream roster additions, here’s a look at where the franchise stands as Spring Training gets closer.
The Ketel Marte & Alex Bregman Situation
The biggest topic of conversation is still the future of superstar second baseman Ketel Marte. Even though fans are nervous, Brandon, Brett, and Gabe generally doubt a trade will actually happen, putting the odds somewhere between 10-25%.
Gabe brought up an interesting conspiracy theory regarding Marte’s contract. Since Marte is about to earn full no-trade rights in March (thanks to the 10-and-5 rule), he speculated that if ownership is thinking about selling the team down the line, they might want to move his long-term contract now to make the books look better for buyers. Essentially, prioritizing business over winning.
Then there is the chase for free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. The crew thinks there is a 50/50 shot he lands in Arizona, with the Boston Red Sox being the main competition. However, they pushed back hard on the idea that signing Bregman means you have to trade Marte. Brett put it simply: he hasn’t heard a good reason why the team can’t have both. Trading your best player just to fill another hole doesn’t make much sense if you want to contend.
The Magic Wand Question
In a fun mailbag segment, a listener asked who the hosts would add to the roster if money and trades didn’t matter. Gabe went with the obvious but perfect choice in Shohei Ohtani, noting that he solves the team’s two biggest needs at once: a power hitter and a true ace pitcher.
Brandon and Brett both looked at the Pirates’ young sensation, Paul Skenes. They argued that while the D-backs have good pitchers, they lack a generational ace like Skenes. Brett also threw out Freddie Freeman as a wildcard pick, suggesting the Dodgers’ first baseman would be the perfect steady presence for the infield.
Winning on a Budget
Rumor has it the D-backs might only have about $10 million left to spend. If that’s true, making the playoffs will depend heavily on the guys already in the clubhouse. The hosts agreed that health and bounce-back seasons are key. The bullpen needs the dominant version of Kevin Ginkel back, and the rotation needs Drey Jameson and Merrill Kelly healthy and effective.
Brandon also suggested a nostalgic solution for first base: bringing back Paul Goldschmidt. He argued that even at this stage of his career, Goldy crushes left-handed pitching, which would make him a great platoon partner for Pavin Smith.
New Year’s Resolutions
To wrap things up, the hosts shared their resolutions for the 2026 season. Brett wants stability, specifically asking for the team to cut blown saves in half. Gabe is aiming high, saying it is time for a D-back, whether it’s Marte or Corbin Carroll, to beat out Ohtani for the MVP award. Finally, Brandon wants the front office to be aggressive instead of reactive, urging them to set the market rather than waiting around for leftovers.
With pitchers and catchers reporting in less than 45 days, GM Mike Hazen is officially on the clock to turn these resolutions into reality.
