Arizona Diamondbacks 2018 Season Preview

The Arizona Diamondbacks literally reversed their record from 2016 last season. After getting a taste of the playoffs, they are hungry to return to the postseason.

One could understand the modest expectations surrounding the Arizona Diamondbacks heading into 2017. They had completely changed their front office, bringing in Mike Hazen to fix the mess made by former general manager Dave Stewart. Chip Hale had been dismissed, and Torey Lovullo, a hot managerial prospect, was given the reins. After the Diamondbacks were 69-93 in 2016, some improvement was expected, but the postseason seemed to be a pipe dream.

Instead, the Diamondbacks roared back, reversing their record to 93-69 and earning a Wild Card berth. Zack Greinke proved he could pitch well in the desert, and Robbie Ray emerged as a potential star in the rotation. Archie Bradley took his move to the bullpen well, becoming a dominant reliever in the mold of Andrew Miller. Even though they were swept by division rivals Los Angeles, it was a strong year for the Diamondbacks.

After that step forward in 2018, the Diamondbacks have high hopes coming into this season. It is fair to say that the Dodgers, at best, made lateral moves, and could have even taken a step back. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have another year of experience and a stronger bullpen, giving them a chance to edge that much closer to the division.

The 2018 campaign has a chance to be special for the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, they need to catch the Dodgers first.