### Diamondbacks Attract Trade Interest for Starting Pitchers Amid Free-Agent Hunt

In a bustling free-agent market teeming with starting pitchers at varying levels, numerous teams are exploring trade opportunities to bolster their rotations. Among the teams receiving substantial interest are the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to league sources from the recent general managers' meetings. Notably, the Pittsburgh Pirates have also garnered attention, but few teams are as well-positioned as Arizona to make deals involving starting pitchers.

The Diamondbacks are particularly intriguing to rival executives because of their blend of competitiveness and quality pitching options. With standout pitchers like Zac Gallen, projected to earn $14.1 million through arbitration and set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and Merrill Kelly, who will be a free agent after his $7 million contract, Arizona is an appealing trade partner. Despite struggling in his first year with the team, Jordan Montgomery is another high-value pitcher with a $23.75 million contract. The team also has Eduardo Rodriguez, who is signed through 2027 with a mutual option for 2028, and younger talents such as Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson, who have five and four years of club control, respectively.

Arizona's front office is considering their options, especially as they have their own roster needs to address. The team is looking to add a late-innings reliever, potentially a closer, to strengthen their bullpen, which features right-hander Justin Martinez and lefty A.J. Puk. This addition could come through free agency or a trade involving one of their starting pitchers. Moreover, after narrowly missing this year's playoffs following their World Series run in 2023, the Diamondbacks also need to reinforce their offense as they lost key players like Christian Walker, Joc Pederson, and Randal Grichuk to free agency.

In Milwaukee, there is speculation that Brewers All-Star closer Devin Williams might be traded following the team's decision to decline their $10.5 million club option for the next season. Brewers general manager Matt Arnold has stated that the club remains open-minded, which has been key to their consistent success as a small-market team. Williams, who is set to receive a $250,000 buyout, will return to the arbitration process with an estimated salary of around $9 million before becoming a free agent.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies are conducting winter check-ins with Kris Bryant, hoping to rejuvenate the once-prominent star. Bryant, plagued by injuries and chronic back issues, has only played in about 33 percent of games since signing a seven-year, $182 million contract in 2022. Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt remains optimistic about Bryant's recovery, emphasizing the importance of strengthening and rehabbing his back to ensure a full and competitive spring training. As Bryant turns 33 in January, the Rockies aim for him to return healthy and ready to contribute to their efforts next season.