SCOTTSDALE — The Arizona Diamondbacks face a challenge if they hope to lead Major League Baseball in scoring once more, as no team has accomplished this feat in back-to-back years since the 2009-10 New York Yankees, who claimed the World Series title in 2009.
Last season, the Diamondbacks scored 886 runs, averaging 5.47 per game, while the Los Angeles Dodgers followed with 842 runs, marking the largest scoring gap between the top two teams since the Toronto Blue Jays had 891 runs in 2015. General manager Mike Hazen forecasted a regression, suggesting it’s improbable for Arizona to retain their scoring title after losing powerful hitters Christian Walker and Joc Pederson, who together accounted for 49 home runs and 148 RBIs.
To offset these losses, Arizona traded for All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor. Furthermore, they are optimistic that the development of their younger players will help bridge the gap. Last season, key players like shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, outfielder Alek Thomas, catcher Gabriel Moreno, and MVP finalist Ketel Marte dealt with injuries, which limited their contributions.
With high hopes for Corbin Carroll and Eugenio Suarez to capitalize on their second-half successes, manager Torey Lovullo believes this year’s lineup will have its unique qualities. Arizona hit 211 home runs in 2024, up from 166 in 2023, and exhibited aggressive base running with 119 stolen bases, marking a shift from the previous year’s performance.
Carroll emerged as a pivotal player, rebounding from a challenging start to the 2023 season. His OPS surged significantly in the latter half of the year, making him one of the top hitters in baseball. As he continues to refine his batting approach, his potential to return to All-Star form is promising.
Ketel Marte also made significant contributions last year, ranking among the top in the National League for various offensive metrics before an ankle injury hindered his performance in August. The synergy between Marte and Carroll could prove to be critical for Arizona in the upcoming season, creating a formidable 1-2 offensive punch.
Arizona’s lineup showcased impressive depth last year, with ten players achieving an average OPS+ of 100 or more. This season, with the arrivals and departures of key players, maintaining this depth will be essential. Pavin Smith will need to step up as a designated hitter, while Alek Thomas aims for a consistent role following his injury-riddled season. Lastly, top prospect Jordan Lawlar has been sent to Triple-A to gain experience and prove his readiness for a major league spot in the future.
As the season kicks off with the Diamondbacks set to face the Chicago Cubs, the team aspires to not just repeat their scoring success but also enhance their run prevention strategies. To make a playoff run, effective scoring remains a priority, as teams that ranked among the highest in runs scored have consistently reached the postseason.
