The Arizona Diamondbacks won three more games than they did in 2023 when they went to the World Series. Yet, they missed the playoffs because of a three-way tiebreaker that allowed the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves to get in. To remedy that, here are some moves they need to make.
5 moves the Diamondbacks need to make
5) Sign Anthony Santander
The Diamondbacks don't currently have a DH on the roster. Starting second baseman Ketel Marte tops the depth chart there, which means they can go after any good hitter who doesn't play great defense. Anthony Santander, for example.
Santander had a career year with 44 home runs with the Baltimore Orioles. They signed Tyler O'Neill, so the Orioles are not likely to pursue another corner outfielder. Santander would make a good addition in Arizona.
4) Sign Ha-Seong Kim
Right now, the Diamondbacks don't have a backup second baseman or shortstop. It's a weak spot in their infield, and they could address it by adding former San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim.
Kim played multiple infield positions for the Padres throughout his career, so he could play either one. He can also move to third and provide days off for almost every infielder while playing good defense at each spot.
3) Sign Jeff Hoffman
Arizona's bullpen is not exactly overflowing with arms right now. They have just seven relievers on the MLB roster, so they'll need to replenish it with high-leverage arms. That can include former Philadelphia Phillies reliever Jeff Hoffman.
Among MLB relievers who are free agents, Hoffman, 32, has the second-most fWAR over the last two seasons. He has been good for prolonged periods, and he'd make a nice addition to the D'Backs bullpen.
2) Trade Jordan Montgomery
Jordan Montgomery was an utter disaster of a signing last year. He posted an ERA over 6.00 before being demoted to the bullpen and was effectively not used after that. The Diamondbacks owner said it was one of the worst signings they've made.
Montgomery picked his $25 million option, which means not only will he play for the owner who deemed him a mistake, but he will also receive $25 million doing it. The Diamondbacks do not want that, thus trading him at any cost is imperative.
1) Sign Jack Flaherty
Jack Flaherty is arguably the best non-Corbin Burnes player left in the starting pitching market. Assuming the Diamondbacks don't want to move Montgomery back to the rotation, they currently only have four starters.
They saw what he could do in the postseason, as he was fairly instrumental as the Los Angeles Dodgers ace in their World Series run. Only 29, he could be a sneakily good long-term addition to this rotation.