Michael Soroka: ‘I would absolutely love to return’ to Diamondbacks

SAN DIEGO — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ first major move last offseason was taking a chance on former All-Star but oft-injured starting pitcher Michael Soroka, which proved to be a win for the organization.

After throwing 116 innings (his most since 2019) with a 3.41 ERA, Soroka will likely hit the open market again, this time from a stronger position. He and the D-backs have a $10 million mutual option, a negotiating tool that rarely ever gets picked up in baseball.

After Arizona’s final game on Sunday, Soroka expressed interest in returning to the Diamondbacks.

“I picked this place for a reason,” Soroka said. “You get to know guys around the league and ask around what places are like. Everybody here, from the players to staff, support staff, there’s a lot of good people. So, I would absolutely love to return and take care of some unfinished business.”

Soroka was fresh off his final start and said he had not spoken to his family or agent about the offseason yet. He told his circle he did not want to talk about business until after the season.

For the time being, Soroka said his goal is to figure out what he needs to do to reach his goal of making 32 starts next season.

The 29-year-old missed time in 2026 due to a glute strain and shoulder inflammation, costly injuries for the D-backs’ rotation in the middle of the season. But this was his most complete campaign since 2019, when he was a 21-year-old All-Star before two Achilles tears derailed the early part of his career.

He has had to reinvent himself as a pitcher with a new arsenal and delivery, which he felt were coming together last year with the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs. His slurve became one of the most effective swing-and-miss breaking balls in the sport in 2026 (35.5% whiffs).

“I felt like last year was the first year I was truly confident in what I was doing again,” Soroka said. “After missing basically two to three seasons due to injuries, it was pretty trying. I remember one start against the Diamondbacks in May 2023. It was probably one of the most difficult starts of my life, and I didn’t necessarily feel like I belonged the same way I used to.

“There was a lot of work that went into it, a lot of people that helped me throughout the way, from different organizations to people outside the orgs. To do that and show that for them I think was really important, to show them that their belief in me, they had a reason to believe and I’d like to be able to do that for them again going forward.”

Manager Torey Lovullo called Soroka a very dependable starter for his club, as he had 14 starts of at least five innings and two or fewer earned runs.

The Diamondbacks have starters Ryne Nelson, Brandon Pfaadt, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez under contract for next season. Corbin Burnes has an opt-out decision to make.

Arizona had a starting pitching surplus to start 2026 and ended up pressed for innings in the middle of the season. By the end of the year, the team ran out a bullpen game when it desperately needed to win, so pitching depth will remain a need going into the offseason.

Jonathan Loaisiga also interested in coming back

Speaking of successful fliers, the D-backs gave veteran reliever Jonathan Loaisiga an opportunity to make the team on a minor league deal in spring training after he battled injuries in recent years with the New York Yankees.

Loaisiga not only earned a spot but made a career-high 67 appearances, throwing 67 innings with a 2.42 ERA and two saves.

The 31-year-old also expressed interest in coming back, but he sounded open to hearing offers on the free agent market.

“I had the opportunity to sign here and I had a healthy season, which is the most important thing for me,” Loaisiga told Arizona Sports via Spanish interpreter. “I gave my best on the field, my best for the team to get to the playoffs. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do that.

“Everyone treated me well. The players, coaches, the people that work here in the clubhouse, it was a very good impression. I’m open to hearing offers. I’ll try to come back. I’m always grateful to the team for the opportunity they gave me.”

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