Get ready, baseball fans, because the Arizona Diamondbacks are shaking things up for their 2026 spring training! The future is here, and it’s packed with young talent ready to make a splash alongside the team’s seasoned stars. On Friday, the Diamondbacks unveiled their spring training roster, and all eyes are on top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt, who’s set to join the big leagues at Salt River Fields. But here’s where it gets exciting: Waldschmidt isn’t alone. Infielder Tommy Troy, infielder LuJames Groover, outfielder Druw Jones, and pitcher Daniel Eagen are among the non-roster invitees vying for a spot under the desert sun. These players may not be on the 40-man roster yet, but they’re about to get their shot to train with the majors—and possibly earn their place in the spotlight.
Pitchers and catchers report on February 10, with full squad workouts kicking off on February 15. Mark your calendars for February 20, when the Diamondbacks face the Colorado Rockies in their Cactus League opener. But let’s dive deeper into what makes this roster so intriguing.
Ryan Waldschmidt, the No. 31 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, is no stranger to turning heads. After a scorching summer in Double-A Amarillo, he posted a staggering 1.143 OPS in August, earning Texas League Player of the Month honors. Across 66 games, he slashed .309 with nine home runs and 19 steals, cementing his status as Arizona’s lone consensus top-100 prospect entering 2026. And this is the part most people miss: his versatility and consistency could make him a dark horse for an outfield spot sooner than you think.
Tommy Troy, Arizona’s 2023 first-round pick, bounced back strong in 2025, reaching Triple-A Reno while showcasing his power (15 home runs) and speed (24 steals). Oh, and did we mention he’s been getting reps in center field? Talk about a utility player! LuJames Groover, a Double-A staple in 2026, hit .309 with an .833 OPS, primarily at third base. But with Nolan Arenado anchoring the hot corner, Groover’s path to the majors might require some creativity.
Speaking of the infield, the Diamondbacks have revamped theirs with Arenado joining shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and second baseman Ketel Marte. But here’s where it gets controversial: the outfield, aside from Corbin Carroll, is wide open. Could a non-roster invitee like Waldschmidt or Jones sneak into the mix? General manager Mike Hazen hinted at the possibility, saying, ‘Yes, there’s some guys in our system that could come in and challenge for spots.’ Bold statement? Absolutely. But it’s a reminder that spring training is where dreams—and careers—are made.
The bullpen is another hotbed of competition. With no clear closer, veterans like Derek Law and Jonathan Loaisiga, both non-roster invitees, could shake things up if they stay healthy. And let’s not forget the 40-man roster, which includes Blaze Alexander, Jordan Lawlar, Tim Tawa, and Jorge Barrosa, all vying for roles this spring.
By Opening Day, the Diamondbacks must trim the roster to 26 players. Who stays? Who goes? That’s the million-dollar question. But one thing’s certain: this spring training is loaded with talent, drama, and potential. What do you think? Can a non-roster invitee crack the lineup? Is Waldschmidt the real deal? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
