D-backs Sign Veteran Reliever Derek Law to Minor League Deal

The Arizona Diamondbacks keep tinkering with their bullpen depth as they look ahead to the upcoming season. This time, they’ve added a familiar and intriguing relief arm—right-hander Derek Law, who just signed a minor league contract with a spring training invite.

It’s a move that could pay off if Law manages to get back to full health after missing all of last year. Not a bad gamble, honestly.

Diamondbacks Take a Low-Risk Bet on Derek Law

Arizona’s deal with Law fits the mold of a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing. He’ll earn $1.5 million if he makes the major league roster and could tack on another $500,000 through appearance-based incentives.

That structure makes sense for a pitcher coming off a lost season. It’s cautious, but there’s some hope baked in.

Law also gets a major-league spring training invite. The Diamondbacks’ coaching and medical staff will get a close-up look at his rehab progress right away.

They’re not expecting miracles, but it’s clear the organization sees enough value to bring him into camp.

Recovery Timeline and 2025 Outlook

Law missed the entire 2025 season after starting the year on the injured list and then undergoing season-ending flexor surgery in mid-July. His projected recovery timeline is nine to ten months, which could put him back on the mound in April or May if things go smoothly.

Unless his rehab moves at lightning speed, Law probably won’t compete for an Opening Day spot in the bullpen. The plan is for him to rehab under the Diamondbacks’ big-league staff and get used to the organization’s pitching philosophy during spring training.

Why Derek Law Is Worth the Gamble

When he’s healthy, Law has quietly been an effective reliever. Across the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Reds and Nationals, he logged 145 innings out of the bullpen with a 2.98 ERA.

He didn’t rack up huge strikeout numbers, but he got outs efficiently and managed contact well. Here’s what stands out from that stretch:

These numbers show a pitcher who limits damage, keeps the ball on the ground, and doesn’t hand out too many free passes.

A Pitch Mix That Still Plays

Earlier in his career, Law’s four-seam fastball and sinker sat around 95 mph. He had enough velocity to challenge hitters back then.

These days, he’s leaned into a craftier approach with a 91 mph cutter and an 87 mph slider. The slider was especially nasty in 2024—opponents hit just .157 against it, slugging only .220.

If that pitch survives the surgery, Law could still be a useful middle-innings option. That’s something the D-backs could use.

Context: Arizona’s Bullpen Needs

The Diamondbacks’ interest in Law makes a lot more sense when you look at their current bullpen situation. They’re already short on reliable arms after AJ Puk and Justin Martinez underwent season-ending elbow procedures in 2025.

Arizona’s still looking around for more bullpen help, both inside and outside the organization. Law isn’t a sure thing right out of the gate, but if he’s healthy, he brings experience and a solid track record to the mix.

What This Signing Means Moving Forward

Right now, Derek Law gives the Diamondbacks some extra depth and a bit of insurance. There’s real upside here, too.

If his rehab goes well, maybe he turns into a solid bullpen arm by midseason. The team didn’t risk much financially, so if things don’t work out, they can just move on and look at other pitchers.

Honestly, in a season this long, bullpen arms drop like flies. Picking up someone with Law’s track record feels like a smart, low-key gamble—one that might just pay off for Arizona when it matters most.

 
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