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PHOENIX — Despite fielding a more talented Arizona Diamondbacks team that secured five additional wins compared to the previous season, the 2024 campaign is deemed a disappointment due to the inability to secure a postseason berth for the second consecutive year.
The organization finds itself in a transitional phase, where the evaluation of the 2024 season coincides with planning for 2025 and beyond, prior to signing free agents or making trades.
“Our aim was to establish something sustainable,” manager Torey Lovullo stated during exit interviews this week. “We didn’t want to rely on a stroke of luck for one year and then coast for another three or four. Our expectation and standard here is to compete at a very high level every year. My mindset, and that of every player, is to achieve something akin to what we accomplished last year.”
In numerous seasons, 89 wins would typically be sufficient to advance further, and the D-backs navigated through a multitude of injuries to put themselves in a position to clinch. However, the pitching performance failed to meet the roster’s potential, resulting in the departure of respected pitching coach Brent Strom.
Lovullo mentioned in an interview with Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo that the offense may have tightened up towards the end of the season, and an 8-0 lead that slipped away against Milwaukee in the final week also unsettled the team.
“While there were positives this year, many players come from the perspective of ‘What more could I have done?’—my feelings align with that right now,” Corbin Carroll expressed. “There will be ample time for reflection ahead.”
The D-backs boast a promising mix of exciting young players and veteran pitchers under team control, setting a positive foundation as they aspire to win in the 90s. Nevertheless, they face critical decisions, particularly concerning free agent first baseman Christian Walker.
State of the Diamondbacks’ offense
The Diamondbacks assembled one of the most formidable lineups in baseball, but it was seldom seen in its entirety. Randal Grichuk began the season with a short stint on the injured list, while Geraldo Perdomo and Alek Thomas suffered significant injuries in the season’s first week, and additional injuries sidelined Ketel Marte, Walker, Gabriel Moreno, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in the latter half.
Despite these setbacks, the club managed to achieve one of the most impressive offensive seasons in its history, amassing 886 runs, second only to the 1999 team and leading the league in 2024.
The league average OPS for 2024 was .711, with OPS+ adjusting for ballpark factors to standardize performance, where 100 signifies the average.
All of the Diamondbacks’ top nine hitters by plate appearances were assessed as above-average talent by both metrics, as were Grichuk, Josh Bell, and Pavin Smith, despite their fewer appearances at the plate. The D-backs had a total of 13 above-average hitters, ranking second to the Baltimore Orioles in MLB.
Included in this group was a season worthy of MVP consideration from Marte (.932 OPS, 36 home runs), excellent output from the Grichuk-Joc Pederson designated hitter rotation, and notable comebacks from Eugenio Suarez (.788 OPS, 30 home runs) and Carroll (.749 OPS, 22 home runs, 35 stolen bases) in the second half.
The majority of the lineup is under contract for the foreseeable future, with Carroll, Perdomo, Moreno, Thomas“`html
… The idea of reuniting everyone and moving ahead is a positive one. However, I question its overall feasibility.”
Walker has served as Arizona’s starting first baseman since Paul Goldschmidt departed after the 2018 season, evolving into a leader within the clubhouse. At 33 years old, he is expected to be an asset in the free-agent market.
At the same time, the Diamondbacks hadn’t established a specific designated hitter prior to 2024, but the decision proved beneficial with contributions from Pederson and Grichuk. The DH position for Arizona achieved an .891 OPS, ranking third in MLB. Pederson’s mutual option stands at $14 million, while Grichuk’s is set at $6 million.
“We won’t just assign someone to the DH role who can’t provide the level of production that those players delivered,” Hazen stated regarding the future of the position.
Additionally, there remains the question of how top prospect Jordan Lawlar, who faced an injury-plagued 2024 season, will fit into the 2025 roster.
Diamondbacks’ Pitching Situation
After three years, Strom’s tenure leading the pitching staff has concluded. Both assistant pitching coach Dan Carlson and bullpen coach Mike Fetters were also let go following the D-backs’ finish at No. 27 with a 4.62 ERA.
Most of the pitching staff is secured under contract for 2025, leaving the team to decide which voice will best maximize this group:
– Zac Gallen enters the final year before a substantial free-agent contract is anticipated
– Merrill Kelly has a $7 million club option in his age 36 season
– Jordan Montgomery carries a $22.5 million player option
– Eduardo Rodriguez has three remaining years on his contract
– Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson remain pre-arbitration
In the bullpen, Paul Sewald is a free agent, while Scott McGough has a $4 million mutual option. A.J. Puk, Justin Martinez, Kevin Ginkel, Joe Mantiply, and Ryan Thompson remain under team control, alongside Drey Jameson, Kyle Nelson, and Bryce Jarvis.
The Diamondbacks entered the 2023 postseason with three starters, and Hazen expressed regret over not adding another pitcher at the trade deadline. For 2024, while the D-backs had depth, injuries and poor performance led to a pitching staff that underachieved compared to expectations. All five starters, except for Pfaadt, spent time on the injured list, straining the organization’s depth as well.
“It’s hard for me to grasp that right now; it feels like we had a veteran starting pitcher group and saw some younger players progress, yet I’m unsure where it all went wrong,” Hazen remarked. “It’s evident, there’s no denying how our rankings reflected our performance. Our pitching had to improve.”
These remarks were made prior to the announcements of the firings of Strom, Carlson, and Fetters.
Gallen was Arizona’s most effective starter throughout the year, posting a 3.65 ERA, although he acknowledged a pattern of inconsistency compared to previous seasons (3.04 ERA from 2022-23). He will be one of the top names available in free agency come 2026.
“I take pride in my consistency, so experiencing many ups and downs was challenging,” Gallen reflected. “It felt like in the last five or six starts, I performed quite well, consistently giving us a
In retrospect, the decision to sign him was labeled “horrible,” although there was an acknowledgment of accountability regarding the choice. Nonetheless, the D-backs might have to rely on him if he chooses to opt back in.
“I am confident that Jordan Montgomery will perform better next year,” stated Hazen. “Regardless of the numerous factors that contributed to this year’s outcomes, it simply didn’t pan out. However, I am optimistic that next year will present a significantly different scenario.”
The dynamics of the bullpen shifted halfway through the season when Sewald was dismissed from the closer role following a dismal July, leading to Puk becoming the team’s standout reliever after the trade from Miami.
Following Sewald’s struggles, Martinez was given the most save opportunities, yet no definitive closer was named in anticipation of Sewald potentially reclaiming the position. After a generally solid performance in July and August—despite Sewald’s four blown saves—the bullpen’s ERA plummeted to the lowest in MLB during September (6.11).
Hazen indicated that he would certainly look to enhance the bullpen; however, given the number of pitchers already under contract, there will be time to evaluate and consider various options if additional changes become necessary.
Diamondbacks free agents
– 1B Christian Walker
– 1B Josh Bell
– INF Kevin Newman
– OF Randal Grichuk (mutual option)
– DH Joc Pederson (mutual option)
– RHP Merrill Kelly (club option)
– LHP Jordan Montgomery (player option)
– RHP Paul Sewald
– RHP Scott McGough (mutual option)
Will the Diamondbacks’ payroll decrease?
The D-backs established the highest payroll in the franchise’s history, just under $173 million. They were able to channel postseason revenues into the team. Despite failing to reach the postseason, Arizona experienced a 20% increase in attendance.
Kendrick informed Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo, “This year, we have substantial additional funds from the regular season thanks to our fantastic fans. So, will we be able to financially compete again next year? I believe the answer is essentially yes.”
Diamondbacks Reflect on Disappointing 2024 Season: Assessing Progress, Challenges, and Future Plans
Overview of the 2024 Season
The Arizona Diamondbacks entered the 2024 MLB season with high hopes, driven by their promising roster and recent improvements. However, as the season draws to a close, the team finds itself reflecting on a year filled with challenges and missed opportunities. A combination of injuries, inconsistent performance, and tough competition in the National League has left the Diamondbacks feeling the weight of disappointment.
Season Performance Indicators
To understand the extent of the Diamondbacks’ struggles in 2024, it’s essential to analyze key performance indicators throughout the season. Here’s a breakdown of their season statistics:
| Category | 2024 Season | 2023 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 70 | 85 |
| Losses | 92 | 77 |
| Batting Average | .246 | .258 |
| ERA (Earned Run Average) | 4.62 | 3.90 |
The Diamondbacks’ drop from 85 wins in 2023 to just 70 in 2024 highlights significant regression. The team struggled offensively, as reflected in the decrease in batting average, while their pitching staff also saw an increase in ERA, indicating a decline in their overall effectiveness on the mound.
Key Challenges Faced
The 2024 season has not only been about numbers but also about the challenges that the Diamondbacks faced throughout the year:
– **Injuries to Key Players**: The Diamondbacks were plagued by injuries that sidelined crucial players, impacting their overall performance. The absence of star players resulted in a diminished lineup, leading to inconsistent offensive output.
– **Inconsistent Pitching**: A major factor in the team’s struggles was the inconsistency of the pitching staff. Key starters failed to deliver quality starts regularly, which put additional pressure on the bullpen.
– **Inexperience in Critical Situations**: As the season progressed, the Diamondbacks showcased a lack of experience in high-pressure situations. This often resulted in blown saves and missed opportunities to capitalize on scoring chances.
– **Stiff Competition**: The National League’s competitive landscape proved challenging for the Diamondbacks. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres were formidable, making it difficult for Arizona to gain traction in the standings.
Player Highlights and Developments
Despite the overall disappointment, there were shining moments and individual achievements worth noting in the 2024 season:
Emergence of Young Talent
The Diamondbacks’ management emphasized a commitment to developing young talent. Some players stepped up to showcase their potential, providing a silver lining amidst the team’s struggles.
– **Corbin Carroll**: The young outfielder demonstrated flashes of brilliance, leading the team in several offensive categories and earning accolades for his defensive skills.
– **Geraldo Perdomo**: Perdomo’s growth as a solid shortstop added stability to the infield, and his offensive contributions were vital to the team’s offense.
All-Star Performances
Although the Diamondbacks as a team fell short, certain players earned All-Star selections, highlighting their individual prowess:
– **Zac Gallen**: The ace pitcher continued to be a bright spot for the rotation, earning a spot in the All-Star Game and showcasing his skills on the national stage.
– **Ketel Marte**: Demonstrating resilience, Marte maintained his status as a core player for the Diamondbacks, both in the field and at the plate.
Future Plans and Outlook
As the Diamondbacks look toward the future, assessing their strategies and making necessary adjustments will be crucial for a successful 2025 season. Here are some areas they will focus on:
Revamping the Roster
Management has indicated that roster changes are likely in the offseason. Targeted acquisitions through trades or free agency will be essential to enhance the team’s competitiveness:
– **Targeting Experienced Players**: The Diamondbacks may look to add experienced veterans who can provide leadership and stability in critical situations.
– **Investing in Pitching**: Improving the pitching staff is a top priority, especially since starting pitching depth was a significant issue in 2024.
Focus on Youth Development
The team’s focus on developing young talent will continue. By prioritizing player development, the Diamondbacks aim to build a sustainable future:
– **Minor League Investments**: Enhancing facilities and coaching in the minor leagues will be vital to nurturing the next generation of talent.
– **Utilizing Analytics**: Embracing advanced analytics will help the coaching staff better understand player strengths and weaknesses, leading to more informed decisions.
Long-term Goals and Vision
The Diamondbacks have to establish clear long-term goals to ensure they are on the right track moving forward:
- **Building a Consistent Contender**: The ultimate goal is to develop a team that can compete consistently in the playoffs, thereby establishing a strong presence in the National League.
– **Engaging with Fans**: Rebuilding the team’s reputation and reconnecting with the fanbase will be crucial. Engaging community initiatives and fan events can bolster support.
Practical Tips for Fans and Stakeholders
For fans and stakeholders looking to engage with the team and support their journey, here are some practical tips:
– **Attend Games**: Continue to show support by attending games. The atmosphere created by passionate fans can motivate players and energize the team.
– **Engage on Social Media**: Stay updated by following the Diamondbacks on social media platforms. Engaging with content and sharing your support fosters community.
– **Participate in Community Events**: Join in on community outreach programs organized by the Diamondbacks. This is a great way to connect with the team and contribute positively to the local community.
In reflecting on the 2024 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks recognize the need for growth, adaptability, and a renewed commitment to excellence. With a strategic approach to tackling their challenges and a focus on youth development, the Diamondbacks aim to reclaim their place as a formidable force in Major League Baseball.
