Arizona was a popular pick to win the National League West division and compete deep into October this season. Experts and fans alike were amazed at Arizona’s sudden and often unexpected offseason moves. Despite finishing the Cactus League with the best overall record and adding tremendous amount of payroll, the Diamondbacks disappointed their rabid fans and baseball pundits.
One of Arizona’s major 2015 winter acquisition was Zack Greinke, the prized starting pitcher on the free agent market who left the Los Angeles Dodgers comfortable stadium for hitters haven in Arizona. Greinke finished 2015 with an impeccable 1.66 ERA and garnered recognition as one of the best pitchers in the game. Greinke finished 2016 with a 13-7 record, a hideous 4.37 ERA, only 134 strikeouts, and a 1.27 WHIP. During the first half of the season, Greinke was able to adjust to Arizona and started to rev up. Prior to July 3rd, Greinke was on a roll and appeared to be gearing up for a strong second half. However, Greinke was placed on the disabled list on July 3rd, and his season was essentially a lost cause from that point forward. By signing Greinke to a length contract and owning him a huge sum of money, it is expected Arizona will expect better results in 2017.
Another surprise acquisition for Arizona during the offseason was Shelby Miller. Atlanta exchanged Miller for Arizona’s top prospect and recent number one overall pick, shortstop Dansby Swanson. In retrospective, this might be the one deal that burns Arizona management for many years to come. Miller disappointed majorly and did not assist in what turned out to be an awful pitching staff. Swanson excelled in the Braves farm system and even received a taste of the big leagues towards the later month of August and September. As of right now, Atlanta looks like they have acquired their future shortstop with plenty of upside for the next several seasons. Arizona will regret this move and might be another classic textbook example of why a team shouldn’t put all their eggs in one basket in hopes of winning it all during the offseason.
Jean Segura was an acquisition that turned out to pay major dividends for Arizona. In a season full of disappointment and dreariness, Segura quickly established himself as a force in the Diamondbacks line up and brought some radiance of happiness on fans faces throughout the season. Segura plated 102 runs, batted .319, hit 41 doubles, smacked 20 balls out of the yard for homers, and notched seven triples. Segura will look to expand on this season and should continue his productiveness in 2017.
A. J. Pollock’s season was cut short early due to a fractured elbow. This injury was symbolic of the season Arizona was able to uncover. Pollock eventually returned in September, but by then Arizona was far out of contention. Pollock returning essentially was a confidence booster heading into the offseason knowing he is healthy and ready for fulltime action in 2017. Pollock will need to be at full health in order to balance out Arizona’s offense. 2016 was a lost season for Pollock but it appears his fractured elbow is fully healed and 2017 should be a brighter one for him and Arizona.
Arizona finished 69-93, fourth in the National League West. Their rapid overhaul of the team did not bode well for 2016, and their future is a tad murky to the large contracts obligated to key players like Greinke and depleted farm system. Arizona is in the process of cleaning house at the managerial level in addition to Chip Hale firing. After a disastrous season, Arizona is hoping a new regime will bring impactful changes and bring playoff baseball back to Arizona sooner than later.
