2023 Season In-Review

Record: 84-78, 2nd in NL West

Postseason: Won Wild Card vs. Milwaukee Brewers (2-0), Won NLDS vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (3-0), Won NLCS vs. Philadelphia Phillies (4-3), Loss World Series vs. Texas Rangers (4-1)

The Diamondbacks proved a simple equation in MLB last season — sneak into the postseason and anything can happen. It is all about a team getting hot at the right time and that is what happened to Arizona after an 84-win season that landed a Wild Card spot in the National League. Now, the question remains, can the Diamondbacks repeat this performance and even take it to the next level?

2024 Season Preview

Key Losses: RHP Zach Davies, OF Tommy Pham, RP Mark Melancon

Key Additions: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez, 3B Eugenio Suarez, DH/OF Joe Pederson

The Diamondbacks made a run to the World Series last year and used that as motivation to improve further this offseason. This happened both in free agency and via trades. First, let’s look at the returners.

Corbin Carroll was named NL Rookie of the Year in 2023 and is already a rising star in the league. He will patrol the top of the lineup, followed by Ketel Marte and Christian Walker. The core for Arizona is strong. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. returned to Arizona after entering free agency as well.

The Diamondbacks added two major power bats this offseason. Joc Pederson agreed to a one-year deal and will likely serve as the DH for Arizona. He has a winning pedigree around the league and has played in many big games. Eugenio Suarez was landed in a trade with the Seattle Mariners. The Diamondbacks will take the good with the bad with Suarez. He has seen his production in batting average drop but can still hit 30 or more home runs. He played in all 162 games last season and finished with 22 home runs, 29 doubles, and 96 RBI. Over the last two years, Suarez has led the league in strikeouts as well, reaching a new career-high with 214 in 2023. The positives surrounding Suarez can outweigh the bad in a deep lineup.

Zac Gallen returns as an ace at the top of the rotation. Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaat provide depth but the Diamondbacks were looking to add even more. This is where Eduardo Rodriguez came into play on a four-year deal. The left-hander gives the Diamondbacks another quality arm at the top of the rotation.

A World Series appearance is the best way to jumpstart a franchise. For Arizona, it led to the front office improving the lineup and rotation significantly this offseason. Now, the team will hope duplicate its success from last season.

Potential Starting Lineup

1. Corbin Carroll, OF
2. Ketel Marte, 2B
3. Christian Walker, 1B
4. Joc Pederson, DH
5. Gabriel Moreno, C
6. Eugenio Suarez, 3B
7. Alek Thomas, OF
8. Lourdes Gurriel Jr., OF
9. Geraldo Perdomo, SS

Potential Rotation

• Zac Gallen
• Eduardo Rodriguez
• Merrill Kelly
• Brandon Pfaadt
• Ryne Nelson/Tommy Henry

Final Record Prediction: 88-74