2022 record: 74-88; fourth in National League West
Offseason headlines: After three consecutive losing seasons and five without making the playoffs, things are trending forward in the desert since a 110-loss season in 2021. Instead of a major splash in the winter, Arizona’s moves offered intrigue. Former AL Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis was added from the Mariners. Daulton Varsho was lined up to become a star of the future but was flipped just before Christmas to the Blue Jays for a top catching prospect in Gabriel Moreno and a proven bat in Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Veteran 3B Evan Longoria, 37, was signed on an affordable one-year deal. Options were declined on RHPs Ian Kennedy and Zach Davies, but Davies was brought back on a one-year, $5 million deal.
Spring storylines: Arizona seems prepared to start the season in a closer-by-committee situation, which is a nicer way of saying they don’t quite have a guy they can trust. Mark Melancon has a shoulder injury, with Miguel Castro and Scott McGough vying to nab the role. With a No. 5 starting spot up for grabs, the spot appears down to RHPs Ryne Nelson or Drey Jameson, with LHP Tommy Henry dropping out of the competition late. After hamstring issues for 2B Ketel Marte the last two seasons, the team is desperate to have his glove and bat in the lineup on a regular basis. A late-spring fractured forearm for Carson Kelly will cause upheaval at the catcher spot.
Young guns: OF Corbin Carroll is poised to assume an everyday lineup role and to prove it, the Diamondbacks signed the rising star to an eight-year, $111 million contract March 11. Another young outfielder with upside, the 22-year-old Alek Thomas, received valuable big-game experience while playing for Mexico in the WBC. Outfielder Jake McCarthy, 25, had eight home runs and 34 RBIs in 99 games last season. There is plenty to like about SS Jordan Lawlar, a first-round pick in 2021, who had a taste of Double-A last season, played in the Arizona Fall League and is progressing quickly.
Fall feeling: The Diamondbacks haven’t been to the playoffs since 2017 and haven’t won a postseason game since 2011. A trip back to the postseason isn’t expected for 2023, but the team’s young core is bringing plenty of hope for the future.
Odds, even: A World Series title from the Diamondbacks would bring a major payday with +12500 odds at BetMGM. They are +4500 to win the NL West at DraftKings, ahead of only the Rockies.
–Field Level Media
