The 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks entered the season with palpable optimism, fresh off a thrilling 2023 campaign that saw them surprise many by reaching the postseason. With a talented young core and savvy offseason moves, the D-backs hoped to build on that momentum, contending in a stacked National League West. While flashes of brilliance emerged throughout the season, Arizona ultimately fell short of their playoff aspirations. Let’s dive into how the 2024 season unfolded, the moves that shaped their trajectory, and what lies ahead for this promising franchise.

Arizona's front office, led by General Manager Mike Hazen, focused on fortifying the roster during the 2023-2024 offseason. The D-backs prioritized pitching depth and veteran leadership to complement their rising stars like Corbin Carroll and Zac Gallen.
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​Key moves included:

As the season unfolded, the Diamondbacks found themselves in the thick of the wild-card race. To bolster their playoff push, Hazen pulled the trigger on several key midseason deals.

Corbin Carroll, following his sensational rookie campaign in 2023, experienced a sophomore slump by comparison. Over 158 games, Carroll posted a .231 batting average while showcasing his power-speed combination with 22 home runs and 22 stolen bases. However, his batting average marked a significant drop from the .286 he achieved in his rookie year, though his dynamic presence on the field remained a key asset for the team.

On the mound, Zac Gallen anchored the rotation with a respectable season, though it didn’t reach the dominance of his previous campaigns. Gallen concluded the year with a 3.65 ERA over 148 innings, striking out 156 batters across 28 starts. While his numbers were solid, they fell short of the Cy Young-caliber expectations he set in prior seasons. Overall, the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff struggled as a collective unit, finishing with a 4.63 team ERA—ranked a disappointing 27th in MLB.

Despite their efforts, the Diamondbacks fell short of making the playoffs, concluding the season with an 89-73 record. This placed them third in the highly competitive NL West, where their 12-14 record against divisional powerhouses like the Dodgers and Padres highlighted the need for improvement. Their struggles extended to extra-inning contests, where they managed just five wins in 13 games, a glaring weakness that often thwarted their momentum.

The Diamondbacks' inability to rise above .500 against NL West opponents further emphasized their struggles within the division, a key factor in their postseason absence. Moving forward, Arizona will need to address their inconsistent pitching, bolster their lineup, and find ways to better handle tight games if they hope to turn the corner in 2025.

To position themselves as stronger playoff contenders in 2025, the Arizona Diamondbacks must address key weaknesses and make strategic decisions across several areas. Here's a breakdown of potential moves they could pursue:

1. Bolster the Bullpen
​The bullpen was a weak spot in 2024, making it a top priority this offseason. Potential strategies include:
Pursuing a Reliable Closer: With Paul Sewald likely departing via free agency, securing a dependable closer is critical.
Retaining Key Relievers: Re-signing Kevin Ginkel would help maintain stability and consistency in the relief corps.
Exploring Trade Options: Acquiring elite relievers, such as Josh Hader from the Astros, could provide a game-changing presence in late innings.

2. Resolve the Jordan Montgomery Situation
Jordan Montgomery’s $22.5 million player option for 2025 is a pivotal factor in the team's budget. The Diamondbacks should:
Consider a Trade: If Montgomery exercises his option, Arizona could look to trade him, potentially absorbing part of his salary to facilitate a deal.
Reallocate Funds: If they can move his contract, the team could use the savings to address other areas of need.

3. Strengthen the Starting Rotation
While Zac Gallen leads the rotation, further reinforcement is essential. Key options include:
Exploring an Extension for Gallen: With free agency looming after the 2025 season, locking in Gallen long-term should be a priority.
Deciding on Merrill Kelly's Club Option: Exercising Kelly’s option could provide additional stability to the rotation.

4. Address Key Positions
Several positions require attention to enhance the lineup’s effectiveness:
First Base: Decide whether to re-sign Christian Walker or pursue a replacement to maintain offensive production.
Third Base: Evaluate Eugenio Suárez's $15 million club option following his strong second-half performance.
Designated Hitter: Reassess the Joc Pederson-Randal Grichuk platoon and explore other options for more consistent offensive output.

5. Handle Arbitration-Eligible Players
The team must make key arbitration decisions on important contributors, including Zac Gallen, A.J. Puk, and Jake McCarthy.

6. Explore the Free Agent Market
With approximately $26 million available for free agency or trades, Arizona could focus on:
Adding a Right-Handed Power Bat: Targeting an outfielder or designated hitter with power would complement the team’s existing core.
Bringing in Veteran Leadership: A seasoned presence could provide guidance for the Diamondbacks' young roster.

7. Promote from Within
Arizona should also evaluate whether top prospects, such as Jordan Lawlar, are ready to contribute at the major league level. Their development could fill gaps without significant financial investment.

The Arizona Diamondbacks enter the 2025 season at a crossroads. After an encouraging but ultimately frustrating 2024 campaign, their path forward hinges on thoughtful decision-making and a commitment to both short-term improvement and long-term sustainability. By addressing their weaknesses strategically, the Diamondbacks have the potential to transform from a team that fell short of the postseason into a legitimate contender in the highly competitive NL West.

One of the Diamondbacks' key goals will be to close the gap with division rivals like the Dodgers and Padres, both of whom have deep pockets and star-studded rosters. Targeting impactful free agents and making bold trades could help Arizona narrow that margin. Adding a reliable closer, for example, would address one of the team’s glaring weaknesses in 2024 and could turn late-inning heartbreaks into crucial victories. Similarly, solidifying the starting rotation with another frontline arm to complement Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly would help the Diamondbacks keep pace in a division known for its offensive firepower.

Offensively, Arizona must aim for greater consistency. While Corbin Carroll remains the centerpiece of the lineup, finding additional power and production—especially from positions like third base, designated hitter, and the outfield—will be essential. The right acquisitions could turn the Diamondbacks' offense into a more well-rounded unit, capable of sustaining success over the grueling 162-game schedule.

Beyond acquisitions, Arizona’s ability to nurture its young talent will be pivotal. Prospects such as Jordan Lawlar represent the franchise's future, and their integration into the big-league roster could add a dynamic element to the team without stretching the budget. If Lawlar and other up-and-comers can make an impact in 2025, the Diamondbacks would not only improve in the short term but also set themselves up for sustained success in the years to come.

Financial flexibility will play a crucial role in shaping the offseason. The potential resolution of Jordan Montgomery’s contract and other budgetary decisions will dictate how aggressively the Diamondbacks can pursue free agents and trade targets. Balancing these immediate financial considerations with a broader view of the team’s long-term goals will require careful planning from the front office.

Finally, the Diamondbacks must build a roster that is not only competitive on paper but also resilient in high-pressure situations. In 2024, the team struggled in extra-inning games and head-to-head matchups within their division. Improving in these critical areas could be the difference between another near-miss and a return to October baseball.

​As the Diamondbacks look ahead to 2025, their potential is undeniable. With a mix of strategic signings, savvy trades, and internal development, Arizona has the opportunity to emerge as one of the most exciting teams in the National League. While challenges remain, the blueprint for success is clear—and the 2025 season could mark the start of something truly special for the franchise and its fans.