The Arizona Diamondbacks have made an interesting move by re-signing right-handed reliever John Curtiss to a minor league contract. This decision marks his return to the organization after being outrighted on November 5, alongside four other players. Recently, he was assigned to the Triple-A Reno Aces, joining fellow pitchers Tommy Henry and Taylor Rashi, who were also designated for the minor league club this month following their stints with the D-backs in the 2025 season.
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 5 inches, Curtiss had a notable performance last year, making 30 appearances for the Diamondbacks. During that time, he secured one save with a respectable 3.93 ERA, contributing to a record-breaking 17 relievers on the team who achieved saves during the MLB season.
In his first year with the Diamondbacks, Curtiss demonstrated effective pitching skills, evidenced by his 0.93 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) and a low walk rate of just 3.5% over 36.2 innings of work. August turned out to be his standout month, where he showcased consistency with a remarkable 2.12 ERA and a striking 0.59 WHIP across 12 appearances, totaling 17 innings pitched.
Throughout the 2025 season, he utilized a versatile four-pitch mix, predominantly relying on his four-seam fastball, which accounted for 54% of his pitches, followed closely by his cutter at 30%.
Additionally, the Aces recently welcomed right-handers Antonio Menendez and Sean Harney, both of whom were acquired after their contracts were purchased during the Rule 5 Draft on December 10.
In a broader context, the Diamondbacks are actively working to strengthen their starting rotation, having reportedly signed free agent Merrill Kelly just a few days ago. The organization is also on the lookout for additional bullpen depth as the offseason progresses into 2026.
What do you think about the D-backs’ strategy to bolster their pitching roster? Do you believe bringing back Curtiss will pay off? Let us know your thoughts!
