National League West Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks

There is no doubt that 2025 was disappointing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. They seemed to be hit by a lot of injuries, including to their prized free-agent signing that offseason in ace right-hander Corbin Burnes. They offloaded a few pieces at the trade deadline, but even in September still had a chance to make the postseason, finishing 80-82, three games out of the final spot.

Diamondbacks' Notable Offseason Moves

While there wasn't much in terms of volume to accomplish this offseason, there were a couple of big holes that the D'backs needed to fill. And they did it with familiar faces. Zac Gallen remained with the team even after receiving and rejecting the $22.025 million qualifying offer, and fellow right-handed starter Merrill Kelly, who was dealt to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline, returned on a two-year, $40 million contract.

As a bonus, they also signed right-hander Michael Soroka to a one-year, $7.5 million contract just before they added Kelly. First baseman Carlos Santana inked a one-year, $2 million contract.

In the most surprising acquisition, the D'backs were the landing spot for third baseman Nolan Arenado, who was traded by the St. Louis Cardinals. It only cost them right-hander Jack Martinez, last year's eighth-round draft pick.

Finally, right-handed reliever Paul Sewald stuck around on a one-year, $1.5 million deal.

Projected Diamondbacks Lineup

1. Geraldo Perdomo, SS
2. Ketel Marte, 2B
3. Corbin Carroll, RF
4. Gabriel Moreno, C
5. Pavin Smith, DH
6. Nolan Arenado, 3B
7. Carlos Santana, 1B
8. Jordan Lawlar, CF
9. Alek Thomas, LF

The D'backs had the fifth-best OPS in MLB last year, but that was a lineup that included third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who hit 36 homers and drove in 87 runs before being dealt to the Seattle Mariners, as well as first baseman Josh Naylor, who had a .292/.360/.447 before separately being traded to the Mariners. Will being on a contender after wallowing with the St. Louis Cardinals rejuvenate Arenado? Soon to turn 35 years old, he has a .261/.312/.413 slash line with 54 homers and a combined 6 fWAR over the last three seasons, which is basically MLB average, after putting up a .293/.358/.533 mark with 30 homers for a 7.9 bWAR in 2022. While he still has a pretty good eye, Arenado likes to chase a lot (16th percentile) and his exit velocity is down to 86.8 mph (10th percentile). Santana, meanwhile, is about to turn 40 and has played for seven teams over the last four seasons, putting up a .226/.318/.392 slash line, including 76 homers.

But the lineup still does have Carroll, Marte and Perdomo at the top of the lineup. The middle of the lineup looks a little soft with Moreno, Smith, Arenado and Santana, while the D'backs are hoping a move from the infield to center field helps to unlock Lawlar's offensive potential.

Projected Diamondbacks Rotation

1. RH Zac Gallen
2. RH Ryne Nelson
3. LH Eduardo Rodriguez
4. RH Brandon Pfaadt
5. RH Michael Soroka

Kelly is starting the season on the 15-day injured list due to an intercostal nerve irritation. It is expected to be a short stay. That paves the way for Soroka to begin the season in the rotation. This figures to be the strength of the team this season, but that depends on Gallen, Rodriguez and Pfaadt improving upon their 2025 numbers. Nelson had the best 2025 of this bunch; he posted a 3.73 FIP in 33 appearances, 10 of which came in relief. If the D'backs can stay in the thick of things, 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes could be back sometime around the All-Star break.

The Verdict

There are definitely some questions that will need to be answered before this team can contend. If Arenado visits the Fountain of Youth and becomes even a solid offensive force, that will boost the offense, which feels a little suspect with Moreno and Smith hitting fourth and fifth. Gallen was once a staff ace but has lost that luster in recent years. Perhaps healthy returns from Burnes and Kelly will key a run for this team. The D'backs stayed in contention after selling at the deadline, so there is some magic fairy dust floating around the desert.