Snakes Territory: An Arizona Diamondbacks Podcast

With the MLB offseason officially under way, we discuss general manager Mike Hazen's comments on how he sees the next month shaking out. Is Hazen leaning toward a Ketel Marte trade? What would it look like for the Diamondbacks, and why would another team do it considering Marte's off-the-field issues?

We also dive in to the hiring of Ben Fritz as the team's new pitching coach. What is Fritz's reputation, and why did the D-backs feel the need to make a change?

Finally, we take a look at the team's projections for 2027 and narrow in on starting pitching. Is a "depth arm" enough to set the team up well? Would the team trade a current starter in order to create a spot for a newcomer? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory, the official Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory Network.

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Even with a lockout looming, November could be a big month for the Diamondbacks. We run down several key dates on the MLB calendar that fall between the end of the World Series and the Dec. 1 lockout. Could the D-backs look to swing a big trade before the lockout begins?

Along the way, we revisit the possibility of extending a qualifying offer to Michael Soroka. Plus, which players might the team need to add to the 40-man roster ahead of a potential Rule 5 draft? And what non-tender candidates do the D-backs have?

Finally, we discuss recent data that came out about the size of each MLB team's scouting and analytics staffs. Where did the D-backs land, and what does it say about the team's priorities? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory, the official Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory network.

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Jack's article on upcoming offseason dates: https://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/onsi/key-mlb-hot-stove-dates-diamondbacks

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We continue our search for left-handed hitting with a look at five potential options from the trade market, starting with Marlins first baseman Kyle Stowers. What is there to like about him, and would the D-backs have what it would take to lure him away?

Other top candidates include Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals and Alec Burleson of the St. Louis Cardinals. We also touch on a pair of familiar faces, including long-time Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker. Does Walker have enough left in the tank to warrant a reunion?

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With the Diamondbacks set to target a left-handed hitter this offseason, we dive in to five potential lefty 1B/DH targets in free agency, starting with Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato. Could Sato be even better than Munetaka Murakami's debut season with the Chicago White Sox? How much would he cost, and where would he play?

We also talk about NLCS MVP Jake Bauers. Was his breakout season a one-off, or is he actually one of the premier hitters in the sport? We also talk about a few lower cost options, plus a potential reunion with former D-backs DH Joc Pederson.

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The Diamondbacks have 10 impending free agents this winter, and we can already say pretty confidently that these five won't return in 2027. The list includes Zac Gallen, Jonathan Loaísiga and more. We explain why we are so confident that none of them will be back next year.

Next, we take a look at five more impending free agents who could return in 2027 and make a case for each of them. Chief among them is right-hander Michael Soroka, who was one of the team's more reliable starters in 2026. What will Soroka's price be? Plus, will the D-backs' love affair with Ildemaro Vargas continue next year and beyond?

Finally, we discuss the team's four Gold Glove award finalists and the odds for each to win. We also talk about the Dodgers getting swept by the Brewers and whether Los Angeles' aging roster is finally catching up to them. Plus, who's up for some Banana Ball at Chase Field?

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Jack's story about impending free agents: https://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/onsi/breaking-down-diamondbacks-free-agent-who-stays-goes

Read about SABR Defensive Index: https://sabr.org/sdi

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According to a report from Joel Sherman on the New York Post, the Diamondbacks were runners-up for first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. at the trade deadline. Could the D-backs circle back this offseason and strike a deal with the New York Yankees for the left-handed hitting slugger? Sherman mentions Juan Morillo as a potential target.

Plus, in this mailbag episode, we discuss which first base options we like most in free agency. Paul Goldschmidt, Nathaniel Lowe and Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato are among the names mentioned. Could Ketel Marte be an option at first?

We also discuss the team's lack of bullpen depth, the decision to stick with Joe Mather as hitting coach, which players we feel most confident in heading into 2027 and much more. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory, the official Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory network.

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After Gabriel Moreno turned in an MVP-caliber 2026 season, could the Diamondbacks still lock him up long-term? We explore what a potential Moreno extension could look like and whether it would be worthwhile for the Diamondbacks. Plus, we discuss a pair of promising catching prospects in the D-backs organization and how they could possibly alter the team's thinking.

We also touch on the recent news that the team is parting ways with pitching coach Brian Kaplan. Was the move surprising given the team's relative success on the pitching side this year?

Finally, we discuss some recent comments from the team on rebuilding the bullpen. Could Kade Strowd and Juan Burgos really play prominent roles in 2027? We also take a look at a memo from the league office about what to expect in the upcoming lockout.

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Friend of the show Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic joins to discuss the Diamondbacks' decision to bring back Torey Lovullo on a two-year contract. Does it mean that Ketel Marte is likely headed elsewhere this offseason?

We also dive in to what happened in 2026 for the Diamondbacks. And what's the path to 90-plus wins moving forward? Finally, we discuss Nick's report that the team is parting ways with long-time play-by-play broadcaster Steve Berthiaume. What will we remember most about Bert's tenure in the organization?

Join Jesse Friedman, Jack Sommers and special guest Nick Piecoro on this edition of Snakes Territory, the official Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory Network.

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Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick made his annual season-ending radio appearance on Friday, and he stated clearly that the team's payroll will be lower in 2027. What actually was the Diamondbacks' payroll in 2026, and can the team actually improve with a lower figure in 2027?

We do a deep dive on every line item of the 2027 payroll. Will the Diamondbacks tender a contract to Pavin Smith? What would it look like to bring Michael Soroka back? Is trading Ketel Marte a realistic way to open up additional payroll space? What needs to happen in 2027 for the team to finally get over the hump and return to the postseason?

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After several days of silence, the Diamondbacks announced Thursday that manager Torey Lovullo is returning on a two-year extension. We discuss what the past few days have been like for Lovullo and why the team chose to bring him back.

Did Lovullo deserve a new contract? To what extent was general manager Mike Hazen also responsible for the team's shortcomings in 2026? We also look ahead to the upcoming offseason and Hazen's stated top priorities with the roster.

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The Diamondbacks needed everything to go their way on Sunday to punch a ticket to the postseason, but almost nothing did. The Phillies beat the Rays, 7-3, and the Diamondbacks played a lackluster Game 162, losing 9-4, and missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

How should we look back on September 2026 for the D-backs? Where does this leave Mike Hazen and Torey Lovullo, and how much money will the team have to work with this offseason? What about Ketel Marte's future?

Finally, we cover some of the positives, including Gabriel Moreno becoming the first Diamondback ever to win a batting title, Nolan Arenado assembling a monstrous second half and a final week of the season that was a whole lot of fun to watch.

Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers live from Petco Park for one final postgame show of 2026. This is Snakes Territory, the official Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory network.

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The Diamondbacks had an opportunity to take the third wild card spot from the Phillies on Saturday night, but their bullpen game blew up and they ultimately lost to the San Diego Padres. What went into the team's pitching plan, and why did Jose Cabrera play such a prominent role in a must-win game?

Meanwhile, the Phillies lost once again and are going to use Zack Wheeler tomorrow in Game 162. Could the Rays actually help the D-backs out yet again? And what do we expect from the Diamondbacks' side of things after Michael Soroka?

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With their backs against the wall, the Diamondbacks have won a season-high six games in a row. On Friday, they dominated the Padres. Lars Nootbaar led off the game with a home run, the offense put up 7 runs in four innings against Casey Mize and Brandon Pfaadt delivered 7 2/3 innings to preserve the bullpen for another must-win game on Saturday. Do the D-backs really have a shot in this thing?

Plus, what's going on with the Phillies lately, and what are their plans for the final two games of the season? We do a deep dive on the next 48 hours for both teams.

Finally, we discuss Corbin Burnes hitting the injured list with a shoulder injury that likely ends his 2026 season. What happened, and what does it mean for his health in 2027 and beyond? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers live from Petco Park for another postgame edition of Snakes Territory.

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For the first time since 2018, the Diamondbacks swept the Rockies at Coors Field, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The offense jumped out to a big early lead, Eduardo Rodriguez delivered a quality start in his final start of the year and the bullpen (barely) held on.

Where does the win leave them in the NL Wild Card race? Do they really have a shot to catch the Phillies or Padres this weekend in San Diego?

We also discuss a few listener superchats, including whether the D-backs will extend Gabriel Moreno and what their top offseason needs are. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory, the official Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory network.

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Snakes alive? The Diamondbacks won their fourth straight game on Wednesday and have managed to hang around in the NL wild card race. What needs to happen tomorrow for them to have a chance to overtake the Padres this weekend?

We discuss Wednesday's bizarre first inning and a solid night of pitching from Merrill Kelly and the bullpen. Plus, could Gabriel Moreno really win the batting title, and how does his game compare to that of Luis Arraez?

Finally, we look ahead to this weekend in San Diego and the Diamondbacks' decision to go back to Corbin Burnes on Saturday. Should they consider bringing Jose Cabrera up from Triple-A? What about Zac Gallen or a bullpen game? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory, the official Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory Network.

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With their backs firmly against the wall, the Diamondbacks notched their 47th comeback win of the season on Sunday, beating the New York Yankees behind a Nolan Arenado grand slam. We explain what made Arenado's swing so special and what has led to his excellent season.

Meanwhile, Corbin Burnes was unable to get out of the third inning, and his stuff was down considerably from his past two outings. Can the Diamondbacks really afford to use him next weekend in another must-win game? What happened to the shape of Burnes' signature cutter?

Finally, we look ahead to the final week of the regular season. Are the D-backs effectively eliminated in the NL wild card race? What needs to happen the rest of the way for them to get in? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory, the official Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory Network.

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Just as we all expected, Pavin Smith delivered a pinch-hit, walk-off home run against the Yankees on Saturday night to lead the Diamondbacks to a much-needed win and keep their dwindling postseason hopes alive. We discuss Smith's huge swing, and the many smaller wins throughout the game that helped set the table for it, including an enormous two-run triple from Jordan Lawlar in the fifth inning.

Where does the win leave the D-backs in the postseason race? Do they now have a better chance of catching the Phillies than the Padres? Does the Phillies' tough schedule give the D-backs a legitimate opportunity?

Finally, we discuss the Diamondbacks' 2001 World Series celebration ceremony, which brought a bunch of D-backs legends, including Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, back to Chase Field. Plus, Dr. Jesse McGuire delivered one of the most impressive performances of the evening, singing the second half of the National Anthem after his trumpet malfunctioned.

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For the second straight night, the Diamondbacks could not get the big hit against the Miami Marlins. How slim are their playoff chances following the series loss? Do they still have a path to pass the San Diego Padres?

We also discuss several big moments from the game, from stranding the bases loaded in the first inning to Jordan Lawlar being cut down at second to end the game. Should the D-backs have kept him at first with Ketel Marte at hte plate?

We also look ahead to the Yankees series and answer a few superchats. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory, the official Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory network.

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After back-to-back losses to the Rangers and the Padres now having won seven in a row, is the D-backs' season on the brink of collapse? We discuss what went wrong in their final two games against the Texas Rangers and where it leaves them with 12 games to play. Do they have enough time to make up the ground?

We discuss an offense that continues to struggle against right-handers, a surprising string of defensive mistakes and Brandon Pfaadt coming back down to earth over the past month. What are the keys to success as the D-backs take on the Marlins and Yankees this next week?

Finally, we hit on some recent news items, including Lourdes Gurriel Jr. being designated for assignment, Pavin Smith finding his way back to the majors and Zac Gallen officially landing in the bullpen. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory, the offical Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory network.

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For the first time in what feels like a long time, the Diamondbacks won in dominant fashion with a 9-1 beatdown of the Texas Rangers. We discuss Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte leading the way offensively, and Kevin Ginkel getting a couple of huge outs in the fifth inning to shift the momentum in their favor.

We also dive in to Justin Martinez tossing the fifth immaculate inning in D-backs history — and the team's second this season alone. What has worked so well for Martinez since his return from the injured list, and when could we start seeing him pitch back-to-backs?

Finally, we discuss the D-backs' looming starting rotation decision involving Michael Soroka and Zac Gallen. Would the D-backs really keep Gallen in the rotation over Soroka? And how might Ryne Nelson factor in? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory, the official Arizona Diamondbacks show in the Foul Territory network. Go to https://Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

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