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The oddsmakers don’t think highly of Mike Hazen and Torey Lovullo’s ability to make the Diamondbacks a contender in 2026.
If you’re expecting the Diamondbacks to improve in 2026, oddsmakers are casting doubt. One oddsmaker, betonline.ag, set the over/under point of Arizona’s win total to 78.5. That would be in fourth place behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (99.5), San Diego Padres (85.5), and San Francisco Giants (82.5).
This comes after the Diamondbacks have added two starters to their rotation. The club has replaced Zac Gallen with Michael Soroka and re-signed Merrill Kelly. Since then, the club has been virtually silent in one of the slowest offseasons across Major League Baseball.
Ketel Marte rumors continue to dominate Arizona’s offseason. It’s unclear how much longer they’ll listen to offers, but are not close to a deal. Their next moves are contingent on what return they, or don’t, get on Marte. The Diamondbacks seek a return befitting of a superstar in his prime, including an established starting pitcher.
How the Arizona Diamondbacks Can Improve Their Win Total
Quite frankly, most of the moves that would move the needle would have to come on the pitching side. While the rotation is relatively set for the year, the bullpen continues to be the primary concern.
The team hasn’t made any moves regarding the bullpen. The latest reporting on their closer search from Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro was that the team was seeking a backend reliever. The plan would be for that pitcher to serve as the closer in the first half of the season, while Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk recover from elbow surgery. Then, when both relievers are healthy, he would revert to a high-leverage setup role.
It’s unclear where they’ll find that reliever from. It’s hard to pry controllable relievers in the trade market, especially the type Arizona is looking for. Free agency isn’t necessarily an ideal route, as all the top closers have been snatched up by the middle of December.
The top remaining free agent on the reliever market is former Phillies, Orioles, and Blue Jays right-hander Seranthony DomÃnguez. DomÃnguez is a perfect match with the Diamondbacks. He has 40 career saves, as he got some run as the closer with the Phillies in 2018 and Orioles in 2024.
Another route they could take in the bullpen is leveraging outfielders Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas in a trade. It’s unlikely either outfielder will bring much of a return, given their inconsistent at best track record at the plate. The Diamondbacks might be looking at landing a rental backend arm at best.
Diamondbacks Remaining Offseason Needs
The Diamondbacks are looking for a right-handed bat at first base and designated hitter. That could be a signal that they’re moving forward with Pavin Smith at first base.
The team reportedly signed former Cardinals prospect Luken Baker to a minor league deal on December 26. The signing has not been announced yet by the club, and it doesn’t show up on their transactions.
Another former Cardinal that could fit is former Diamondback All-Star Paul Goldschmidt. It’s been seven seasons since he last donned an Arizona uniform, as he was dealt to St. Louis after the 2018 season. He’s struggled against right-handed pitching the past three seasons, but has continued to be a lefty killer. In the last two seasons, Goldschmidt has put up a .315/.389/.522 slash and 12 home runs and a 152 wRC+ against southpaws.
Michael McDermott Michael McDermott is a writer at Heavy Sports covering the Arizona Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball. Michael has 10 years experience writing about the D-backs and their farm system for AZ Snake Pit, Burn City Sports, and Diamondbacks On SI. More about Michael McDermott
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