Notable Additions: Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Eugenio Suarez
Notable Losses: Mark Melancon, Tommy Pham, Evan Longoria
The Diamondbacks went on a run that many fans will not forget. The 6 seed in the NL, to the World Series. They came up short but made significant additions to their rosters to gear up to match the Dodgers, and they may be close. I was tempted to put the Diamondbacks ahead of the Dodgers, but I can’t do that quite yet. However, it’s closer than you may think.
Projected Starters
C: Gabriel Moreno
1B: Christian Walker
2B: Ketel Marte
3B: Eugenio Suarez
SS: Geraldo Perdomo
LF: Lourdes Gurriel Jr
CF: Alek Thomas
RF: Corbin Carroll
DH: Joc Pederson
The Diamondbacks have a very good hitting core. Everyone listed above except Alek Thomas had an OPS above .700 in 2023. Five of the nine batters had 20 or more home runs. Three of the nine had 9 or less home runs. Geraldo Perdomo, Gabriel Moreno and Alek Thomas. Joc Pederson was the only one in the teens with 15 home runs. One aspect of this lineup is that many of these players can win a Gold Glove. Everyone but Ketel Marte and Lourdes Gurriel Jr have a real shot at a Gold Glove. Overall, this is a good hitting core, but some of them are more defensive players than good hitters. I give them an 8/10.
Projected Starting Rotation
Zac Gallen
Merrill Kelly
Jordan Montgomery
Eduardo Rodriguez
Brandon Pfaadt
To me, this is the third-best rotation in baseball behind Atlanta and Seattle. Everyone but Brandon Pfaadt had an ERA below 3.50 in 2023. Pfaadt had a 5.72 ERA in 2023, but I think he will perform way better in 2024. The additions of Montgomery and Rodriguez as the Snakes’ third and fourth men were massive in their push to keep their NL crown. I give their pitching a 10/10.
Paul Sewald was a great addition to the Diamondbacks at the 2023 deadline. Kevin Ginkel, Miguel Castro, and Andrew Saalfrank should be solid pieces in their bullpen, but overall, they are okay. There are no stars in this bullpen, and I give them a 7/10.
Sock’s 2 X-Factors
Corbin Carroll: Winning Rookie of the Year and almost winning the World Series in 2023, Corbin Carroll made quite the impact in his first full year. He hit .285/.362/.506 with 25 home runs, 54 stolen bases, and a 133 WRC+. He is only 23 years old and has cemented himself as a franchise player for the Diamondbacks. If he keeps playing like that, he’ll be on track to make the Hall of Fame.
Zac Gallen: Finishing third in Cy Young voting in 2023, Zac Gallen had a fantastic campaign last season. Gallen has had a 3.04 ERA, 3.16 FIP, 1.02 WHIP, and 412 strikeouts in the previous two years. He only walks a few guys and strikes out plenty of batters. He is under contract this year and next and should be considered for a long-term contract.
Sleeper: Gabriel Moreno: One of the best defensive catchers in baseball, Gabriel Moreno should be on your radar of people to look out for. He already has a Gold Glove to his name and has the defensive ability to win multiple over his career. He is only 24 years old and still needs to work on his power, but with his defensive skills, he doesn’t need to be prolific at the plate to have a great career.
Prospects to Look Forward To
Jordan Lawler: They have Geraldo Perdomo already, but Jordan Lawler is just as promising at shortstop. Lawler hit .278/.378/.496 with 20 home runs in 417 at-bats. He has a quick swing that produces good power. He needs to work on hitting off speed, but at 21 years old, he has all the tools he needs.
Druw Jones: The son of Andruw Jones, Druw Jones is a fantastic runner and defender. Like many of the other Diamondbacks players, he has the potential to win multiple Gold Gloves. He needs to work on his hitting, but at only 20 years old, he has plenty of room to grow.
GM For a Day
The Diamondbacks have already locked up Corbin Carroll through the decade, and they need to do the same for Gabriel Moreno and Zac Gallen. They are two cornerstone pieces that must stay if the Snakes want the best chance of contending for a World Series.
Projected Finish: 95-67, 2nd in the NL West, 4th seed in the NL
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