D-Backs Continuing To Pursue First Base, Pitching Help

""There's enough opportunity out there that we can still see a move or two that can impact our team," Hall said at a charity golf event on Friday (links via Steve Gilbert of MLB.com and Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic). The team president added the front office is "still trying to find another complementary first baseman, and I think we can still look to improve our pitching, both starting and relievers, but we still have some moves to make. We're not done.""

"General manager Mike Hazen said last week that the team didn't have the budget space to spend on established high-leverage relievers on the open market. "We still have some room," Hall said today of the club's financial picture. "But for a big splash, we're probably going to have to get creative, or look to move money if we're going to do something really big.""

"He rejected a qualifying offer in November and is one of two unsigned qualified free agents, along with Framber Valdez. There's been some chatter that the Diamondbacks could circle back with Gallen, but that hasn't seemed all that likely since the club brought Merrill Kelly back on a two-year deal that pays $20MM annually. Even if he settles for a two-year contract with an opt-out, Gallen would probably take them beyond their comfort zone."

The Diamondbacks continued pursuing pitching depth and a right-handed hitting first baseman to complement Pavin Smith as Spring Training nears. Team president Derrick Hall confirmed the front office remains open to moves and emphasized finding a complementary first baseman and improving both starting pitching and the bullpen. General manager Mike Hazen acknowledged limited budget for established high-leverage relievers on the open market. Hall said the club has some financial room but a major acquisition would likely require creative approaches or moving payroll. Zac Gallen remains unsigned after rejecting a qualifying offer and could exceed the team's comfort level unless ownership makes an exception.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors