#18
The Arizona Diamondbacks went from being one of the worst teams in baseball in 2021 to respectable in 2022. Will 2023 bring about more steps forward or another step back?
#27 - 4th in NL West
MIH - Pavin Smith
MIP - Zac Gallen
PTW - Alek Thomas
2022 Results
#20 - 74-88, 4th in NL West
Highest WAR (Position) - Christian Walker
Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Zac Gallen
The Diamondbacks bounced back in a big way in 2022. The problem was they had so far to bounce back from. They quietly had an impressive season with some players taking some huge steps forward. Zac Gallen finished top 5 in the Cy Young, and first baseman Christian Walker hit 36 home runs. Not too bad for a team that lost 110 games the year before.
Additions / Subtractions
The Diamondbacks had some interesting moves this offseason that showed they were both buying and selling. They traded standout Daulton Varsho, but got outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and catching phenom Gabriel Moreno in return. They traded utilityman Cooper Hummel, but picked up former Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis in return. They also added veteran Evan Longoria to provide some clubhouse leadership, but also some hot corner production. He could also be a trade candidate at the Deadline if the season goes south.
Most Important Hitter
Ketel Marte
It feels like Ketel Marte is a veteran that has been around forever and maybe entering the twilight of his career. He is actually only entering his age 29 season. Some people don't even hit their peak until 29. For Marte, so far his peak was 2019. He hit 32 home runs, 92 RBI, a 149 OPS+, and finished 4th in the MVP voting. Outside of that one season, his season high in home runs is 14. He was on track for a great 2021 season, but he only played in 90 games. I don't think it's a coincidence that the last time Marte was elite for a while season was the last time the Diamondbacks were over .500. If the D-Backs want to get back to being relevant, Marte needs to get back to being a potential All Star.
Most Important Pitcher
Madison Bumgarner
The Diamondbacks have had some pitchers emerge the last few seasons as possible aces. Zac Gallen is becoming a star, Merrill Kelly is consistent and solid enough to earn a WBC spot on Team USA. Through all that, the highest paid member of the pitching staff has been a bit of a dud. Madison Bumgarner signed a big free agent deal in Arizona before the 2020 season. In 11 seasons in San Francisco, MadBum became a legend while never having an ERA+ below 100. In 3 season in Arizona, he has never had an ERA+ above 100, topping out at 90 in 2021. The 2022 season saw a 7-15 record with a 4.88 ERA. He is under contract with the Diamondbacks for 2 more seasons. If the Diamondbacks could get a career renaissance from MadBum, it would be a pleasant surprise at this point, and might be what the they need to push them to another level.
Prospect to Watch
Corbin Carroll
The Diamondbacks have built up a strong and deep farm system. At the top of that system is the #2 prospect in all of baseball, Corbin Carroll. The 22 year old Seattle native was picked in the first round by the D-Backs in 2019, and has excelled ever since. He got a taste of the big leagues in 2022, earning a 133 OPS+ and 1.1 in WAR in just 32 games. More importantly, his performance in 2022 made the Diamondbacks comfortable enough to sign a player still officially considered a prospect to an 8 year, $111 million contract. At his worst, he's a Gold Glove caliber defender and one of the fastest players in baseball. At his best, he could be one of the best players in baseball.
2023 Prediction
3rd in NL West
It doesn't feel like a step forward, but moving into 3rd place in the NL West is the absolute ceiling for this team in 2023. I could totally see this roster reaching that level. This could be one of the more entertaining teams to watch in 2023. They have a great manager, some established stars, and some exciting young talent. Watch for them to be a surprise in 2023.
Fearless Prediction
Corbin Carroll will win the Rookie of the Year.
Okay, it might not feel like much of a bold prediction, but who cares. Corbin Carroll is a star in the making, and 2023 will be his coming out party. There are some other big prospects that will be competing for the NL Rookie of the Year, but it feels like Carroll has this wrapped up before it even starts.
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