Coming off a World Series loss in 2023, the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to build off their amazing postseason run. No one could have predicted that in 2023 the D’Backs would make the World Series, or even the Championship Series. It was a run for the ages, but after coming up short, the D’Backs know what they have within their core, and they should be eager to make an even bigger run in the future.
This offseason, the Diamondbacks made it a priority to bring in talented veteran players who can fill the holes in their lineup from last year and also add leadership to their youthful core. Each significant move the D’Backs made makes perfect sense in terms of fit. Let’s look at a timeline of notable moves the D’Backs made heading into 2024.
On November 22, 2023, it was announced that the Arizona Diamondbacks would be trading for former All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez, for reliever Carlos Vargas and backup catcher Seby Zavala. Not even a month into the offseason, the D’Backs added a right-hand power-hitting third baseman, and this was something that was a big need in the gap to replace veteran Evan Longoria. Suarez struggled in ’23, batting .232 with 22 home runs. He looks to return to All-Star form in his age 32 season.
On December 7, 2023, the D’Backs added to their starting rotation, bringing in the lefty Eduardo Rodriguez. The deal is for 4 years and $80 million. Rodriguez is a solid left-hander and brings balance into the rotation. He posted a 3.30 ERA in 2023 and was a bright spot on a Tigers team that struggled all season long. The soon-to-be 31-year-old pitcher has World Series experience. We will have to wait and see what he can bring, as it was announced last weekend that Eduardo Rodriguez will start the 2024 season on the IL with a lat strain.
Returning to the Diamondbacks on December 17, 2023, on a three-year $42 million deal with a fourth-year club option, OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was announced to be returning to the Valley. Gurriel Jr. was an amazing addition to this team in 2023, becoming a first-time All-Star. He batted .261 with 24 home runs. Not only did he contribute to the team’s success in the playoff run, but all year long he was an electric presence everywhere on the field.
The Arizona Diamondbacks added another veteran/former All-Star on January 25, 2024, with the addition of DH/OF Joc Pederson. Pederson, a two-time World Series champion and a two-time All-Star, struggled in 2023, batting .235 with 15 home runs. This year he won’t have as big of a load as he did with the Giants, so he should excel in his new role with the Diamondbacks, being a lefty in the middle of the lineup.
The final piece to the puzzle was just a few days before opening day, that being left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery. He signed a one-year $25 million deal; he can opt out of his contract next year. This is a move that gives the D’Backs, if not the best, then one of the best starting rotations in baseball. Montgomery is coming off a World Series win against Arizona, and he posted a 3.20 ERA in 2023.
Arizona added a few depth pieces to round out their team for this highly anticipated season. DH/OF Randal Grichuk signed with the team shortly after Joc Pederson signed. The two will switch off in the lineup based on matchups, as Grichuk is a veteran right-handed hitter. Catcher Tucker Barnhardt signed on a minor league deal, and he made the team looking to be a solid veteran to help mentor the young phenom Gabriel Moreno.
Some news on the D’Backs prospects this spring was that shortstop/number one prospect Jordan Lawlar would be returning to Triple-A Reno after a short stint with the team at the end of 2023. He still has time to develop after posting a .129 batting average in 31 at-bats. Infielder Blaze Alexander emerged as an opening day roster candidate after a monster spring. He batted .396 with one home run, and he could take Randal Grichuk’s place for now, as he is battling with an ankle injury. Alexander is a top 20 prospect, and he made it extremely hard for Torey Lovullo to send him back down to Triple-A after he showed a ton of flashes at the plate and in the field.
There were only a few key departures from players last year, being DH/OF Tommy Pham and third baseman Evan Longoria. Both played big roles in getting the team to the World Series, adding both leadership and high-impact plays.
Three key players that will start the year on IL are DH/OF Randal Grichuk, closer Paul Sewald, and LHP Eduardo Rodruguez. Grichuk did not play in the Cactus League as he has been dealing with an ankle injury and is expected to be out for a short time period. A few days before opening day, Paul Sewald was placed on the IL with a grade two oblique strain. Sewald is a huge factor for this team and with him missing some time, reliever Kevin Ginkel will most likely take his place, being the closer early on. Eduardo Rodruguez will also be out for some time with that lat strain, previously mentioned.
Until the Diamondbacks’ rotation is at full strength, their rotation will be Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Tommy Henry, Brandon Pfaadt, and Ryne Nelson. Eduardo Rodruguez and Jordan Montgomery will join the rotation shortly.
It is going to be interesting to see if these players will be able to capitalize on their late 2023 success. Outfielder Alek Thomas was a huge reason the team made it past the Phillies in the NLC, launching a crucial game-tying two-run home run off of Craig Kimbrel. While he had his struggles early on in the season finishing with a .230 batting average, he has shown that he can not only shine in the outfield but as well as the plate. RHP Brandon Pfaadt had high expectations in the 2023 season, but he struggled at first, as he had a 3-9 record and a 5.72 ERA. He erased his past struggles with his playoff success; he helped the team advance to the NLCS and the World Series after winning crucial games. Reliever Kevin Ginkel was sort of an afterthought heading into 2023. He was constantly up and down between the majors and the minors, but it wasn’t until a July Series in Atlanta where he made a name for himself, shutting down the Braves. Once Paul Sewald was acquired, Ginkel slid into the eighth inning setup man spot and was one of the best stories in the postseason.
This was a huge offseason for the D’Backs, as they have filled all of their holes going into 2024, and with even more developments from their young core, they could be an even more dangerous team going forward. With opening day coming up, it is time to see what the 2023 National League Champions can do to respond to their remarkable postseason run.
