Diamondbacks Trade Blaze Alexander to Strengthen Bullpen
The Arizona Diamondbacks have recently completed a trade that impacts both their roster and the Baltimore Orioles. The Diamondbacks traded utility player Blaze Alexander to the Orioles in exchange for relief pitcher Kade Strowd along with two minor leaguers. The minor leaguers include right-handed pitcher Wellington Aracena and infielder Jose Mejia.
Overview of the Trade
- Trade Details: Blaze Alexander for Kade Strowd, Wellington Aracena, and Jose Mejia.
- Date of Report: The trade was reported on February 5, 2026.
- Teams Involved: Arizona Diamondbacks and Baltimore Orioles.
Kade Strowd: Adding Depth to the Bullpen
Kade Strowd, a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher, had a commendable rookie season with the Orioles. In 2025, he registered a 1.71 ERA over 25 appearances. Remarkably, he allowed a run in only five of those outings and did not surrender multiple earned runs in any game.
Strowd primarily utilized cutters, four-seamers, and sinkers, complemented by a sweeper and a curveball. This varied pitch mix contributed to his ability to effectively avoid hard contact and induce ground balls. Diamondbacks’ general manager Mike Hazen noted Strowd’s evolution in pitching strategy, especially as the season progressed.
Pitching Performance Highlights
- ERA: 1.71 in 2025
- Average Fastball Speed: Mid-90s mph
- Best Fastball (Stuff+): 116
- Best Slider/Sweeper (Stuff+): 137
- Best Curveball (Stuff+): 133
Strowd is expected to compete for a spot on the Diamondbacks’ Opening Day roster, though he may not serve as a back-end reliever.
Blaze Alexander: Opportunity Shifts
Blaze Alexander has experienced a rollercoaster journey over the past two seasons, shuttling between the major and minor leagues. In the latter half of 2025, he stepped up significantly after the Diamondbacks traded All-Star Eugenio Suarez. Alexander demonstrated his potential with seven home runs and an .881 OPS in August.
Throughout his career with the Diamondbacks, Alexander played a total of 135 games, achieving a .688 OPS and hitting 10 home runs.
Impact on the Diamondbacks’ Roster
The acquisition of veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado has created a competitive landscape for Alexander. With his utility role in a compromised outfield, Alexander’s trade opens up opportunities for other players like Jordan Lawlar, Tim Tawa, and Jorge Barrosa. Following this trade, Hazen affirmed the need to find a suitable replacement through trade or free agency.
Prospects Acquired
In this trade, the Diamondbacks also secured promising prospects. Wellington Aracena, at just 21 years of age, has already reached High-A and showcases impressive velocity, touching 100 mph. Jose Mejia, a 20-year-old infielder, made his High-A debut in 2025 and has the potential to develop into a strong middle infielder.
Future Outlook
The Diamondbacks view both Aracena and Mejia as integral to their long-term development, with Hazen expressing optimism about their projections moving forward. The trade signifies a strategic move by the Diamondbacks to bolster their bullpen while also investing in potential future stars.
