PHOENIX — Once the World Series ends, the Arizona Diamondbacks could start losing some of the longest-tenured arms in the organization.
Starter Zac Gallen and reliever Kevin Ginkel headline a group of D-backs set to become free agents that also includes pitchers Ryan Thompson and A.J. Puk and 35-year-old 10-year veteran Vargas, Arizona Sports reported.
Ginkel, a former Arizona Wildcat drafted by the D-backs in 2016, has pitched only for this organization. He became the third pitcher in franchise history to appear in 300 games and holds the team record for strikeouts by a reliever. He led the club with a career-high 74 appearances this year with a 4.12 ERA, and has posted “Thank you, Arizona” on Instagram.
Gallen ranks fourth in franchise history in starts and innings and second in strikeouts behind Randy Johnson. But he is coming off the worst season of his career after re-signing for $22.03 million, posting an ERA over 6.00 in more than 100 innings.
Thompson’s season ended in August with a back issue, and Puk hasn’t pitched in the majors since April 17, 2025, after elbow surgery.
Teams and players have five days after the World Series to decide on options and qualifying offers. GM meetings begin Nov. 9, and the collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1.
Sources: Arizona Sports. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: MSgt. Raheem Moore / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
