Anthony DeSclafani is ready for a fresh start, and bets Arizona is the place to find it.
Leaving New York to Aid a Struggling Pitching Staff
The 35-year-old right-hander has decided to leave the New York Yankees, opting out of his minor league deal in hopes of a better opportunity elsewhere. Now, he’s heading west to join the Arizona Diamondbacks, a team desperate for pitching help and still trying to figure out whether it’s headed toward a playoff push or a deadline selloff.
Anthony DeSclafani, who the Yankees recently took a minor league flyer on, has used an opt out and is going to the Diamondbacks.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) June 12, 2025
This is more than simply a roster change for DeSclafani. It’s about taking charge of his final genuine opportunity to make a big-league contribution. He has finally recovered from a series of injuries, including a flexor tendon surgery that ended his 2024 season before it began.
Although his five Triple-A starts for the Yankees weren’t particularly noteworthy, they demonstrated enough: a 4.50 ERA over 20 innings, respectable strikeout totals, and a fastball in the low 90s.
The problem in New York wasn’t performance, it was opportunity. With a crowded Yankees rotation about to get even more congested as guys return from the injured list, there was no clear path for DeSclafani to pitch in the Bronx. That’s not the case in Arizona.
The Diamondbacks have been hit hard by injuries, losing Corbin Burnes and Jordan Montgomery for the year. Behind Merrill Kelly, the rotation has been shaky at best. Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodríguez, and Brandon Pfaadt all have ERAs north of 5.00. Ryne Nelson returned to the rotation and got shelled for seven runs in his first outing.
There are no easy answers, and that opens a door.
No Risk By Both Sides, D-Backs Need Solutions
This approach can benefit both parties. DeSclafani needs a team that isn’t afraid to take chances, and Arizona needs weapons. Given that he hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since July 2023 and has expressed a desire to try again, he offers seasoned experience, a reliable presence, and perhaps even a little bit of hunger.
The D-backs are in a difficult situation. Just one year after making it to the World Series, they missed the 2024 playoffs by half a game. As the trading deadline draws near, they must determine whether to add or subtract from the current roster, which is circling .500.
Adding DeSclafani is a low-risk decision that might pay off if he establishes a rhythm, even though it might not garner much attention. At this point in his career, DeSclafani isn’t chasing stardom; he’s chasing a chance to compete.
And with the Diamondbacks, he might just get it.