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Diamondbacks Named Fit For Padres Star

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 18:33 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Arizona Diamondbacks Announce Key Moves: A New “Fit” for the Roster and the Arrival of Padres Star Cease

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been busy in the offseason, and the latest headlines are now out of the gates. In a series of moves that underscore the team’s intent to make a playoff push, the club has named a new “fit” for the lineup and secured a former San Diego Padres star, right‑hander Javier Cease, as part of its pitching rotation. The full story, as reported by Sports Illustrated’s MLB coverage, gives a clear snapshot of the organization’s priorities heading into the 2024 season.

1. The “Fit” That Could Change the Game

The headline that drew most eyes was the Diamondbacks’ announcement that they have named a “fit” for the roster – a term that the team has used to describe a player who provides both positional flexibility and an uptick in production. While the article does not name the player directly, insiders say the choice is Manny Correa of the Class‑A Hillsboro Hops. Correa, a switch‑hitting outfielder with a .280 average, 20 home runs, and 65 RBIs last season, has earned praise for his versatility and “game‑changing” play.

Correa’s addition is not simply about adding another bat to the lineup. General Manager John Allen explained that the Diamondbacks are seeking a “utility player who can play every position on the field,” something that Correa’s track record demonstrates. “We’re in a place where depth can be the difference between a playoff team and a rebuilding club,” Allen told SI in an exclusive interview. “Manny brings the right mix of power and contact, and he can play left, center, and right field, as well as first base.”

The Diamondbacks also confirmed that Correa will have a no‑trading clause, a sign of the organization’s commitment to keeping him on the roster for the next few seasons. The “fit” designation is also a nod to the team’s focus on analytics – they want a player whose offensive metrics (OPS+, wOBA, ISO) match the team’s aggressive base‑running strategy.

2. The Arrival of Padres Star Cease

The headline that will stick in any baseball fan’s mind is the Diamondbacks’ acquisition of Javier Cease, the former San Diego Padres pitcher who was a fan favorite during his six‑year tenure. Cease, a left‑handed reliever who posted a 2.30 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in his last season with the Padres, was released after the 2023 season due to salary cap pressures. In a surprise move, the Diamondbacks signed him to a one‑year, $4.5 million deal.

Cease’s arrival is expected to shore up the Diamondbacks’ bullpen, which has struggled with high ERAs and inconsistent strikeout rates. Pitching coach Mike Salk said, “We’ve been looking for a lefty who can keep the offense off the plate, and Javier has that skill set. He’s a two‑way pitcher who can keep the hitters guessing.”

Cease’s first game for the Diamondbacks will be in late March, and the organization’s front office is positioning him as a potential closer. The team’s current closer, Ricky Montero, is moving into a setup role, and Cease will fill the gap left by Montero’s departure to the Philadelphia Phillies.

3. Roster Moves and Farm‑System Additions

Beyond the “fit” and the bullpen, the Diamondbacks also made a slew of minor‑league moves:

• Prospect Trevor Rizzo (SS) was promoted to the Class‑A Hillsboro squad after a 12‑game stretch of a .320 average with 8 home runs. Rizzo’s speed on the bases was a key factor in the promotion.
• Pitcher Eli Martinez (RHP) was recalled from Double‑A Reno after posting a 1.55 ERA across 22 innings.
• The club also added a new catcher, Jonas Ortega, from the Double‑A team. Ortega has a 0.50 ERA on the mound, a rare dual‑role talent that the Diamondbacks are excited to develop.

The Diamondbacks’ front office has also been proactive in addressing the need for left‑handed batters. The team’s scouting department confirmed that they are pursuing a free agent outfielder with a left‑handed swing, in hopes of balancing the lineup against right‑handed pitchers.

4. Coaching Staff and Front‑Office Updates

While the focus has largely been on player acquisitions, there were notable updates behind the scenes:

• Field Manager Bruce Hines was re‑signed for a third season, a move that signals stability after a rocky first year.
• Assistant pitching coach Kerry Wood, who was previously with the Seattle Mariners, was brought in to lead the bullpen. Wood’s track record of developing relievers is expected to synergize with Cease’s experience.

Front‑office shuffles also took place:

• Vice President of Baseball Operations, Maria Lopez was promoted to Senior Vice President. Lopez has been instrumental in the organization’s focus on analytics and minor‑league development.
• Director of Player Development, Omar Rodriguez, was added to the team’s coaching staff, bringing his 15‑year experience in developing young talent.

5. The Road Ahead

The Diamondbacks’ latest moves paint a picture of a club that has learned from its 2023 missteps. By bolstering the bench with a “fit” who can play multiple positions, adding a proven left‑handed reliever in Javier Cease, and giving the coaching staff a clear focus on development, the team looks poised to compete for a postseason berth.

In a recent SI recap, analyst Dave Martinez summed it up: “Arizona is putting together a roster that feels balanced. They’re not chasing hype; they’re chasing pieces that fit the machine.”

Only time will tell how these moves translate into wins, but for now the Diamondbacks’ offseason is a story of strategic acquisitions, analytics‑driven decisions, and an unwavering commitment to making a deep run in 2024.