What can we expect from the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first year of a new front office regime and manager? Here’s a preview of their 2017 season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks were a trendy pick to make the postseason in 2016. After all, they had a blockbuster offseason in which they signed Zack Greinke to a monster six-year, $206.5 million deal and also swung a trade for promising young Braves starter Shelby Miller. In a seemingly open NL West, it seemed that perhaps they could even steal the division crown and make some noise in October.
As we all know, that didn’t happen. Far from it, the D-Backs finished with a 69-93 record, 22 games behind in their division and 18 out of a Wild Card spot. To put it bluntly, it was a disaster, thanks in no small part to the disappointing performances of those two big additions to the rotation.
Unsurprisingly, Arizona underwent a front office overhaul during the offseason. With new decision-making leadership in place, the club wasn’t quite as active as a year ago, but still made a few significant moves that will shape the upcoming season.
Barring an unexpected reversal, the D-Backs probably aren’t looking at a postseason bid in 2017. However, they can still take some positive steps forward and lay the groundwork for better times ahead. To preview this year’s version of the team, we’ll look at the notable player arrivals and departures, and then take a gaze into the crystal ball to determine just what kind of campaign they have in store.
Next: Additions