After a 2025 campaign that felt like a bit of a hangover from the 2023 World Series run, the Diamondbacks enter 2026 with a win now roster that features a solid mix of stability but also comes with massive injury question marks. The front office was aggressive this winter making a blockbuster trade for Nolan Arenado to anchor third base. They also resigned Zac Gallen (1 year, $22million) and Paul Sewald (1 year, $1.5million) to stabilize a pitching staff and bullpen that was ravaged by the injury bug last season.
Lineup:
Arizona is one of only three teams (Dodgers and Mets) projected to have three position players clear the 4.0 WAR threshold. Ketel Marte is coming off a stellar 2025 season and remains the heartbeat of the lineup. Corbin Carroll bounced back to his usual self in 2025 and he’s looking to reclaim his status as a potential MVP candidate.
Geraldo Perdomo was last season’s breakout star (finished in 4th place of the NL MVP race). The January trade for Arenado was the defining move the off-season. While he’s in the later stages of his career, his fantastic fielding and veteran presence are intended to fix the defensive lapses that plagued the team last season. He will hit somewhere in the middle of the order providing protection for the big three.
Rotation:
The rotation has a potential high ceiling but the floor is low due to the uncertainty surrounding the health of specific players. Gallen is back on a 1 year deal to lead the staff alongside which should be a rejuvenated Merrill Kelly. Staff ace, Corbin Burnes, is currently on the 60 day IL after undergoing elbow surgery but is expected to return by mid-summer. Ryne Nelson established himself late last season and if Brandon Pfaadt can find consistency with his mechanics the Diamondbacks could have a very deep rotation to compete in the NL West.
Bullpen:
The bullpen is looked at as the potential Achilles’ heel. With Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk sidelined, the Diamondbacks are leaning heavily on the return of Paul Sewald and Kevin Ginkel. If the bullpen can hold up until the trade deadline, the Diamondbacks should be a postseason threat. If not, they may find themselves in too deep a hole by the time Burnes returns.
Projected Lineup:
- Geraldo Perdomo – SS
- Ketel Marte – 2B
- Corbin Carroll – RF
- Gabriel Moreno – C
- Nolan Arenado – 3B
- Pavin Smith – 1B
- Carlos Santana – DH
- Alek Thomas – CF
- Ryan Waldschmidt – LF
Projected Rotation
- Zac Gallen
- Merrill Kelly
- Ryne Nelson
- Brandon Pfaadt
- Eduardo Rodriguez
Projected Bullpen
Kevin Ginkek – Closer
Paul Sewald – Setup
Ryan Thompson
Brandyn Garcia
Drey Jameson
Kade Strowd
Manager: Torey Lovullo (10th season)
Projection: 80-82 (4th in the NL West)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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