The Arizona Diamondbacks were horrible in 2021, with a 52-110 record.
They were mediocre in 2022, as they finished with a 74-88 mark.
Is it possible that they are good in 2023?
Of course it is.
The D-Backs have a young, talented core that looks on the cusp of contending.
It surely won’t be easy, as they play in one of the toughest divisions in baseball, but they could make things really interesting in the NL West as early as 2023.
Their starting lineup is starting to look very, very handsome.
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 3, 2023
Corbin Carroll is the organization’s top prospect and had an impressive cameo in 2022.
He is a five-tool player who can be an All-Star as soon as this year if he can keep his strikeouts in check.
Ketel Marte and Jake McCarthy remain young and productive, and Josh Rojas‘ on-base ability and defensive versatility make him a terrific regular.
Christian Walker broke out with 36 home runs last season, but he is already 31.
The two players they acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the Daulton Varsho deal could have a path towards consistent playing time: outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. should start, and catcher Gabriel Moreno should at the very least force a timeshare with Carson Kelly.
The newly-signed Evan Longoria could be a fine designated hitter, and if Geraldo Perdomo can win the shortstop position from Nick Ahmed, the organization would be thrilled.
Considering the D-Backs also have Cy Young candidate Zac Gallen and other good starters like Merrill Kelly, Ryne Nelson, and Drey Jameson, and some excellent relievers, they can shock the world this upcoming campaign.
