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.
Arizona Diamondbacks additions and subtractions
Key additions: Brad Boxberger, Alex Avila, Jarrod Dyson, Yoshihisa Hirano
Newcomer to watch: Alex Avila. After watching Chris Ianetta depart for division rival Colorado, the Arizona Diamondbacks needed to add an offensive threat to the catching duo of Jeff Mathis and Chris Hermann.
They did just that with Avila, who reestablished himself as a threat in the lineup last year. Although he has not been able to return to his All Star level from 2011, Avila produced a solid .274/.394/.475 batting line with 11 homers in his time in Detroit last year. While he struggled after being traded to the Cubs, he should get the majority of the starts at catcher in Arizona.
Avila even checks off the defensive boxes that the Diamondbacks look for. He saved three runs behind the plate last year, and his strong arm led to a 31% caught stealing rate. If he continues to play solid defense, and those improvements with the bat continue, Alex Avila could be a key part of the Diamondbacks success.
Biggest losses: J.D. Martinez, Fernando Rodney, Brandon Drury
Biggest loss: J.D. Martinez. Despite spending just over two months with the Diamondbacks, Martinez made quite the impact.
Martinez gave the Diamondbacks a consistent outfield, as David Peralta moved over to left and A.J. Pollock manned center. More than that, Martinez was a true power threat, and the missing piece in the lineup. In his 62 games in Arizona, he posted a phenomenal .302/.366/.741 batting line, hitting 29 homers. Despite that brief time in the National League, Martinez finished 14th in the NL MVP vote, as the writers took notice of his performance.
Now that Martinez has moved on to Boston, the Arizona Diamondbacks have a major hole to fill in the lineup. Jarrod Dyson is a solid fourth outfielder, and Arizona may be hoping that Yasmany Tomas can finally take that step forward they have been waiting for. If he does not, the Diamondbacks may be hunting for yet another outfielder at the trade deadline.
What to expect from the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018
The Arizona Diamondbacks had an impressive 2017 campaign. This year, they are looking to build upon that momentum.
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It is certainly possible that they will. Even though Fernando Rodney came with that Certified Established Closer label, he was as shaky as the San Andreas Fault. The trio of Brad Boxberger, Archie Bradley, and Yoshihisa Hirano should give the Diamondbacks a viable three headed monster to close out ballgames, something they have not had. Even the “closer by committee” could prove viable in this scenario.
Meanwhile, Jarrod Dyson brings an element of speed to the roster that had been lacking. Dyson is also an excellent defensive outfielder who can play all three positions, a vital piece for a team that has had its fair share of injuries in the outfield. A.J. Pollock and David Peralta have all struggled with the injury bug in the past, making a fourth outfielder like Dyson all the more important.
With those improvements, the Diamondbacks will have another year of experience on the roster. Robbie Ray and Taijuan Walker are developing into top of the rotation arms. Jake Lamb continued to make strides at the plate, while Paul Goldschmidt continues to remain one of the best players in baseball. If the roster takes another step forward, it is not inconceivable that the Diamondbacks move closer to the Dodgers in the standings.
Next: Corbin looking for consistency
The Arizona Diamondbacks might not be able to catch the Dodgers this year, but they should move closer. This has all the makings of being an entertaining team to watch, and one that should find success on the diamond. Prediction: Second place in the NL West.