This season marks the beginning of a new era for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who hired a new general manager and skipper in the off-season. They’ll be tasked with reversing the trajectory of an organization that faltered badly in 2016 despite entering that season with high expectations.
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Injuries and inconsistency caused the Diamondbacks to stumble in 2016 and a lot of things will have to go right for them to rebound.
As we approach the 2017 season, we’re previewing what’s ahead for each of the 30 MLB teams. The Diamondbacks are next:
Up-and-coming player to watch
The Diamondbacks acquired tantalizing young right-hander Taijuan Walker in the deal that sent infielder Jean Segura to Seattle and hope they’ll be able to get more out of him than the Mariners could. The 24-year-old has all the makings of a front-of-the-rotation hurler — size, athleticism, a high draft pedigree and strong stuff. He just hasn’t been able to put it together, posting a 4.18 ERA and 4.30 FIP in 65 career games (62 starts). Reports from spring training say he’s re-worked his delivery, resulting in much better command. That could bode well for an Arizona team whose starting staff posted an NL-worst 5.19 ERA last season.
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What a successful 2017 season would look like
That rotation needs to vastly improve and it starts at the top with Zack Greinke. The Diamondbacks gave him a six-year, $206.5-million deal in December 2015 and all he did was respond with his worst season since 2005. His fastball velocity was down at times this spring, which could be concerning. Shelby Miller posted a 6.15 ERA after the team used a strong prospect package to acquire him. Arizona needs Miller and lefty starter Patrick Corbin to rediscover their all-star form if 2017 is going to be a success.
The offence performed well this past season, its 752 runs scored ranking fifth in the NL. Paul Goldschmidt took a slight step back, but he’s still an elite hitter. The offence could get a massive boost from the return of centre-fielder A. J. Pollock, who missed all but 12 games with an elbow injury. He had a wins above replacement of 7.4 in 2015. The subtraction of Segura could sting, but third baseman Jake Lamb enjoyed a breakout last year and will be counted on to progress.
The Diamondbacks signed closer Fernando Rodney in the winter, but overall the bullpen picture is shaky. Unexpected performances from the relief corps will be needed.
Biggest remaining question
As the Diamondbacks’ highest paid player, Greinke — who’ll make $34 million this season; no one else makes more than $9.5 million — is obviously the name to watch. If he can reestablish his value, you can bet the club would love to jettison some of his contract in return for young talent. The organization’s farm system is barren after the previous front office dealt away some highly regarded, close-to-the-majors prospects.
