The Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 roster is a fascinating topic, and one player stands out as a potential surprise addition: Kohl Drake. But is he the real deal or just a flash in the pan?
This is our annual attempt to predict which players from the Diamondbacks' system could make an impact on the team's upcoming season. Last year's prediction was a mixed bag, to say the least. We were ahead of the curve on Tim Tawa, who played a significant role, but Seth Martinez's brief stint didn't quite live up to expectations. So, with a 'mixed' track record, we're back for another round of predictions, bolder than ever!
This time, we're casting a wider net beyond the 40-man roster because there are some intriguing players waiting in the wings. With several players set to start the season on the 60-day injured list (Corbin Burnes, Justin Martinez, A.J. Puk, and Blake Walston), there's room for newcomers. And while Lourdes Gurriel Jr. might return sooner than expected, the team has roster flexibility.
Our criteria are simple: the player must not have appeared for the Diamondbacks before. This rules out known prospects like Cristian Mena and Yilber Diaz, as well as lesser-known ones like Philip Abner, who had a brief stint last year. Instead, we're starting with a player who is already making waves: Kohl Drake, the top-ranked pitcher in the Diamondbacks' farm system.
But here's the twist: the Diamondbacks' pitching situation was dire not long ago, so being the top pitcher might not have been a high bar. However, things are looking up, thanks in part to Merrill Kelly. Among the top 15 Arizona prospects, half were acquired from Texas in the Kelly trade last July, including Drake, Mitch Bratt, and David Hagaman. But Drake stands out.
Ranked #6, Drake is the highest-ranked pitcher and, at 25, is major-league ready. While he might not crack the Opening Day rotation, he's a top candidate for a call-up. And history suggests that call could come sooner rather than later.
Drake, an 11th-round pick by Texas in 2022, has already exceeded expectations. From Walters State Community College, he could become their most famous alum, surpassing even Brett Martin. And for those who followed the Diamondbacks' 2017 spring training, reliever Chad Bell might ring a bell (pun intended).
After a rocky start in 2023, Drake found his groove in 2024, dominating in A-ball and finishing strong in Double-A. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was impressive, even if he was a bit old for that level. In 2025, he started in Double-A and shined, earning Pitcher of the Month honors in June. This led to a mid-season promotion to Triple-A, where he struggled with a 9.18 ERA in the unforgiving PCL.
And this is the part most people miss: Drake's addition to the 40-man roster this off-season was a strategic move, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft and ensuring roster flexibility. His velocity has increased since college, and MLB Pipeline sees potential: "...if he can get advanced hitters to chase his curveball and changeup, he could make it as a No. 4 starter."
The Diamondbacks' rotation is intriguing, with long-term contracts for Corbin Burnes and Brandon Pfaadt, and control over Merrill Kelly and Ryne Nelson until 2028. Eduardo Rodriguez is signed through 2027. With Soroka as a temporary solution, it seems Mena, Drake, and others will need to prove their worth for a rotation spot in the coming years.
So, is Kohl Drake the real deal? Will he be a key part of the Diamondbacks' future success? The jury is still out, but one thing's for sure: he's a name to watch. What do you think? Is Drake destined for greatness, or will he be another Seth Martinez? Share your thoughts in the comments!
