The Arizona Diamondbacks enter the 2025 season aiming to improve on last year’s 80-82 record that placed them fourth in the National League West. Managed by Torey Lovullo in his tenth season, the team seeks to leverage the guidance of executive vice president and general manager Mike Hazen, also in his tenth year leading the front office. Expectations remain cautiously optimistic amid key roster movements and injury concerns.
Core Players Returning and Key Newcomers
Returning talent includes shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, who posted a 7.1 fWAR, outfielder Corbin Carroll with 6.5 fWAR, and second baseman Ketel Marte at 4.6 fWAR. The starting rotation features right-handers Merrill Kelly (2.3 fWAR), Ryne Nelson (2.0), and Brandon Pfaadt (1.7), while the bullpen is anchored by left-hander Andrew Saalfrank (0.5 fWAR), right-handers Taylor Rashi (0.4), and Juan Morillo (0.3).
In addition to Kelly’s return via free agency, major offseason acquisitions include third baseman Nolan Arenado, acquired in a trade, and veteran first baseman Carlos Santana, who joined as a free agent. The club bolstered its pitching depth with right-handers Michael Soroka, Paul Sewald, Taylor Clarke, and several minor league call-ups such as Joe Ross, Grant Holman, Thomas Hatch, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Derek Law. Outfielder Oscar Mercado was also promoted from the minors. Notable departures consist of lefty Jalen Beeks, righty Kendall Graveman, and infielder Ildemaro Vargas, all free agents.
Injury Challenges Threaten Early Season Stability
Arizona’s injury struggles resurfaced early in spring training, most notably with star outfielder Corbin Carroll sustaining a broken hamate bone during live batting practice. Carroll, 25, was the 2023 National League Rookie of the Year and finished sixth in NL MVP voting last season, but this injury sidelined him for the World Baseball Classic and casts uncertainty over his availability and performance this year.
Veteran players Nolan Arenado and Carlos Santana are also under pressure to bounce back, with Arenado’s OPS declining over each of the past three seasons and Santana coming off a career-low .633 OPS last year, hitting only 11 home runs across 124 games between two teams. Adding to the team’s health concerns, right-hander Corbin Burnes, a significant offseason luxury tax investment, will miss the start of the season after undergoing elbow reconstruction surgery following just 11 starts last year. Relievers Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk remain out due to Tommy John surgery and an internal brace, respectively.
Projected Performance and Outlook for the Season
Analysts at Fangraphs project the Diamondbacks to finish near 81 wins, reflecting a team with potential but also considerable question marks, especially related to injuries. The team’s ability to navigate these setbacks will be critical for its competitiveness in the NL West during 2025. The health status of key players like Carroll and Burnes will likely influence the D-backs’ chances of improving their standing and achieving playoff contention.
