Pfaadt signed a five-year, $45 million contract extension with the Diamondbacks on Friday that includes a club option for 2031 and a mutual option for 2032, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.
Pfaadt's extension won't kick in until 2026, but it will buy out all three of his arbitration years and possibly his first three years of free agency if all options are exercised. The 26-year-old finished last season with a 4.71 ERA and 1.24 WHIP alongside a 185:42 K:BB in 181.2 innings (32 starts); however, his 3.60 FIP is much more indicative of how well he performed on the mound. His first start of the new year is slated to come Saturday versus the Cubs, against whom he allowed two earned runs over 14 innings with a 13:1 K:BB in two appearances last season.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Named to rotation
Rotowire
Pfaadt will begin the season in the Diamondbacks' rotation and is scheduled to start Saturday against the Cubs, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.
The right-hander will slot in for Arizona's third game of the season after producing a 3.18 ERA over 11.1 innings during spring training. Pfaadt had a 4.71 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 185:42 K:BB in 32 starts for the Diamondbacks last season, though a 3.60 FIP provides a more encouraging outlook on his performance.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Strong start Sunday
Rotowire
Pfaadt allowed two hits and struck out seven over five scoreless innings in Sunday's spring start against the Padres.
Pfaadt was impressive in his fourth Cactus League start against a legit regular season San Diego batting order. After giving up a leadoff single in the first, Pfaadt set down the next 12 batters in order before a harmless leadoff single in the fifth -- the runner was eliminated on a double play. The right-hander threw 57 pitches (43 strikes) and left a good impression on manager Torey Lovullo, who has yet to settle on a No. 5 starter. The manager is mulling Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery for the final rotation spot.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Rebounds Tuesday
Rotowire
Pfaadt allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out two over three innings in Tuesday's spring game against the Royals.
Pfaadt didn't start the game and came on to pitch innings five through seven after Merrill Kelly and Justin Martinez got the Diamondbacks through the first four frames. This was Pfaadt's third Cactus League outing and decidedly better than his previous appearance when he was chased after 1.1 innings. Despite working out of the bullpen Tuesday, Pfaadt remains in the mix for the final spot in the rotation, along with Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery.
Pfaadt was unable to get out of the second inning in his second spring start Wednesday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports. He allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two over 1.1 innings.
Pfaadt elevated his pitch count to 46, even if the results weren't pretty. The right-hander's outing was the first in a line of starters battling for the Diamondbacks' final rotation spot -- Ryne Nelson will pitch Thursday, and Jordan Montgomery (finger) is scheduled for his spring debut Friday. If Pfaadt had a lock on a rotation spot, then Wednesday's performance could be chalked up to a pitcher just getting his work in, but instead his numbers will get measured against his competition.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Sharp in spring debut
Rotowire
Pfaadt allowed one hit and struck out two over two scoreless innings in Thursday's spring start against the Reds.
Pfaadt cruised in his Cactus League opener, setting the side down in the order in the first inning, including an inning-ending swinging strikeout of Elly De La Cruz. The right-hander then worked around a two-out double in the second by punching out Spencer Steer to complete his day. Manager Torey Lovullo faces a tough decision regarding his five-man rotation. The top four are locked in with Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez. That leaves Pfaadt battling Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery for the final spot. Both Pfaadt and Nelson still have minor-league options, but Montgomery could shift to the bullpen.
Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Strong finish to regular season
Rotowire
Pfaadt (11-10) picked up the win Sunday against San Diego, allowing one run on three hits and a walk across 5.1 innings. He struck out nine.
Pfaadt's September has been a roller coaster, as he's yielded four or more runs in three of six starts but given up only five runs in his other three appearances combined. In those three impressive starts, he racked up 31 strikeouts over 18 innings. Pfaadt has a 4.71 ERA and a 185:42 K:BB across 181.1 innings in the regular season, and if the Diamondbacks make the playoffs, he's likely to be part of the team's rotation.
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