The Diamondbacks got hot and played in the 2023 World Series but battled injuries and ineffective performances last year. They still won 89 games. Arizona signed a big free agent in the offseason, Corbin Burnes (one of the most effective pitchers in the majors). They also have one of the best young players in the major leagues, Corbin Carroll, though he scuffled last year. The Diamondbacks may win 90 games this year and finish in third place in the National League West behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. How many games do you think Arizona will win this season?
Arizona Diamondbacks Starting Rotation
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed Burnes as their ace. He signed a $210 million, six-year deal with the D-backs in December. He posted a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA last year for the Baltimore Orioles. Zach Gallen is the number two starter for Arizona. He was injured last year, but when he is healthy, he has ace stuff. A rotation with two aces is nice.
Merrill Kelly is the third in the rotation for Arizona. He, too, was injured last season as a shoulder strain limited him to just 13 starts. He is 36 years old, and that is a concern. Eduardo Rodriguez is Arizona’s fourth starter. He suffered a lat strain last spring and did not debut until August 7. However, once he got in the groove, he was pretty good. Brandon Pfaat rounds out the starting staff. His peripheral numbers suggest a breakout season could happen. Veteran Jordan Montgomery provides depth and may end up in the bullpen.
Arizona Diamondbacks Bullpen
Justin Martinez is the closer for the Diamondbacks. With a 100 MPH sinker and an 80-grade pitch arsenal, he has dominating stuff. A.J. Puk is the second option as a closer after being acquired via trade last season from the Miami Marlins. He had a fabulous 1.32 earned run average. Ryan Thompson will set them up. He is a tough, right-handed submarine pitcher. Kevin Ginkel has closing experience, and he has pitched effectively. Joe Mantiply has experienced a velocity decline in recent seasons. But he has good control of his curveball and changeup. Kyle Nelson, Ryne Nelson, and Drey Jameson provide depth in the Arizona bullpen.
Catcher
Gabriel Moreno is the primary catcher for Arizona. He had a big rookie season in 2023 but was injured in 2024. When he did play, he showed excellent plate discipline. He is an adequate defender. Jose Herrara is the backup catcher. He is a good defensive catcher but has done little with the bat. Intriguing Adrian Del Castro is the third-string catcher. He hit 30 home runs last year at AAA.
Infield
In the infield, the Diamondbacks have a new first baseman, Josh Naylor. They acquired him via trade from the Cleveland Guardians. Arizona will miss the departed Christian Walker, but Naylor is an excellent power hitter. Ketel Marte is the Arizona second baseman. He finished third in the National League Most Valuable Player voting in 2024. Geraldo Perdomo is the veteran shortstop for Arizona, though he is keeping the spot warm for top prospect Jordan Lawlar. Their third baseman is Eugenio Suarez. He’s a better hitter than when he was in Seattle.
Outfield
Corbin Carroll is the right fielder for Arizona. He has elite skills but struggled last season. He needs to live up to his eight-year contract. Lordes Gurriel Jr. will play left field for the Diamondbacks. He is a good hitter who is a threat to hit 20 home runs every year. He played the majority of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays. Jake McCarthy is the center fielder for Arizona. He is fast. Alek Thomas will battle him for playing time.
Designated Hitter
Paven Smith is slated to be Arizona’s designated hitter. He is a left-handed bat and hit well in 137 at-bats last season. Gurriel, Carroll, and McCarthy are options at this spot in the lineup. It also may be the case that Alek Thomas will start here if he loses the centerfielder job.
Management
Manager Torey Lovullo is doing an excellent job despite the Diamondbacks’ only playoff appearance since he was hired in 2017. He does have one World Series appearance under his belt. The General Manager is Mike Hazen. He has an analytics background and has been with the team since before 2017. The team owner is Ken Kendrick.
Conclusion
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed an ace for their starting rotation. Now they have two aces. Arizona will probably finish in third place in the National League West. It must be depressing to know that no matter who you sign or how much you improve, you will not win your division.
