The winds of change are blowing through the desert as transformation sweeps through the Arizona Diamondbacks. As reported by MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, the Diamondbacks have decided to part ways with key members of their pitching staff, namely Brent Strom, Dan Carlson, and Mike Fetters. This move comes in the wake of a disappointing season where Arizona fell short of a postseason berth. The team’s pitching performance was lackluster throughout the season, with the Diamondbacks finishing first in runs scored, averaging 5.47 runs per game, but also allowing 4.86 runs and posting a collective 4.62 ERA.
Pitching coach Brent Strom, assistant pitching coach Dan Carlson and bullpen coach Mike Fetters will not return to the @Dbacks next year in their current roles.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) October 3, 2024
Diamondbacks Fire Pitching Coach Brent Strom
The news of the firing comes after DBacks owner Ken Kendrick blamed himself for signing free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery. Kendrick was the one who suggested to the front office that they sign the left-hander after Eduardo Rodriguez went down with a shoulder injury. Kendrick will possibly see more of Montgomery next year as he has a $22.5 million player option in 2025 that he expects to exercise.
Strom, 75, pitched in the major leagues from 1972-77 with the New York Mets, Cleveland Guardians and San Diego Padres. Carlson, 54, pitched for the Diamondbacks in 1999. Fetters, 59, had two stints with Arizona as a player before joining the coaching staff in 2012.
He joined the Diamondbacks in 2021 after spending 11 seasons with the Houston Astros from 2014-21. Strom had a successful run with Houston, ranking among MLB’s leaders in strikeouts (1st), quality starts (1st), and ERA (2nd) over the past four seasons. He also coached Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander to the Cy Young Award.
Under Strom’s guidance, the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff showed promise in 202w but failed to sustain consistency. The pitching was better in 2023, especially in September and into the postseason. Strom was credited with helping turn around Brandon Pfaadt in particular. The Diamondbacks were powered by stellar performances from starters Pfaadt, Merril Kelly and Zac Gallen. That came along with multiple relievers, including Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel and Andrew Saalfrank.
Together, they silenced the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies on their way to the National League pennant.
