The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the middle of a tough situation. The D-Backs went 25-35 last season, and the team is stuck in a division with two of the league’s most exciting clubs.
The team has some work to do if it wants to be competitive in 2021 and beyond, as our MLB predictions for the team will show. The Diamondbacks will need extra help from the minor system and possibly from outside the club if the team is going to go places this year.
How the Roster Will Look
The Arizona Diamondbacks have a few talented players on their roster, but nothing sticks out. Kole Calhoun and Christian Walker will be the top contenders on the offense this season. David Peralta also had a .300 average last season and aims to make another step forward in the outfield.
Daulton Varsho has plans to compete for the Rookie of the Year position from the outfield. Varsho had a .188 average in his brief run with the team last season, but he shows great power hitting potential.
The starting rotation will feature Zac Gallen at the front. Gallen has a chance to get 200 or more strikeouts this season. He had 82 strikeouts in 72 innings last season, and his 2.75 ERA shows he has the makings of an opening-day starter.
“We’re a good organization with good baseball players and I want that to shine through next year.”
Torey Lovullo on moving beyond 2020 and preparing for the 2021 @Dbacks season. pic.twitter.com/e6VMILS5ky
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) December 14, 2020
Madison Bumgarner didn’t show much after coming to the team from the San Francisco Giants last year. Bumgarner had a 6.48 ERA and only thirty strikeouts in 41 innings last year. He might be getting used to the occasionally-indoor environment of Chase Field, not to mention the ballpark’s artificial turf.
Merrill Kelly should finally be healthy for a full season, and Stefan Crichton will be the team’s closer once more. Keury Mella will also compete in his first full season as a reliever. He had a 1.80 ERA in ten innings last season, plus he can get a strikeout an inning on average.
The Diamondbacks anticipate top-rated prospect Kristian Robinson may reach the team this season. Robinson is one of the top international prospects in the game, and the team spent a substantial amount of money to acquire him from the Bahamas. Robinson’s option ends this season, so he will likely be tested this season to see how well he can contend.
Where Will the D-Backs Finish?
Our MLB predictions have the Arizona Diamondbacks finish in fourth place in the NL West. The D-Backs don’t have much experience to work with, and the team will have a tough time competing against the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. The team has a few young players of value, but it is best to see where the team will go after a while. The Diamondbacks will need extra time to see what the roster holds.
Will the Diamondbacks Make the Playoffs?
We do not see the Arizona Diamondbacks reaching the playoffs in 2021. The team has too many problems and will need to build up its roster before it can compete once more. The club has some chances to win, but it will not be easy for them to go far in what they want to do this season. The Diamondbacks have a few positives to see that could make the team more interesting for everyone to watch.
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Image by: Grant Dawson
