The Arizona Diamondbacks are trying to turn the page after a pair of letdown seasons following their World Series run-and they’re doing it with some bold roster moves that signal they’re not backing down from the NL West fight. After parting ways with Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez at last year’s trade deadline, the D-backs have wasted no time filling those holes this offseason. Enter Carlos Santana and Nolan Arenado.
Let’s start with Santana. The 17-year MLB veteran has officially agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with Arizona, pending a physical.
He brings a switch-hitting bat, a wealth of experience, and a reputation as a steady clubhouse presence-something the Diamondbacks could use after reports of internal friction last season. This will be Santana’s first stint in the National League West, and while he’s not the power threat he once was, he still offers solid on-base skills and a professional approach at the plate.
Santana’s 16-year journey through the big leagues includes 11 seasons with the Cleveland Guardians, where he became known for his patience at the plate and consistent production. He returned to Cleveland for a third go-around last year but was released in August, finishing the season with a brief stint in Chicago.
He played just eight games for the Cubs and didn’t see any postseason action. Now, he’ll get a fresh start in the desert, where his leadership could be just as valuable as his bat.
But the Diamondbacks didn’t stop there. They made a splash by trading for Nolan Arenado, bringing in the perennial Gold Glove third baseman from the St.
Louis Cardinals. That’s a major upgrade at the hot corner and a clear signal that Arizona is serious about contending again.
Arenado still has plenty left in the tank and gives the D-backs a defensive anchor and middle-of-the-order presence.
Perhaps just as important as who they added is who they didn’t move. Despite swirling trade rumors, Arizona held onto Ketel Marte.
That’s a big win for the franchise. Marte remains a key piece of this team’s identity-versatile, dynamic, and capable of carrying an offense when he’s locked in.
Keeping him in the fold shows the front office still believes in the core they’ve built.
Make no mistake, the NL West is still a gauntlet. The Dodgers continue to look like a juggernaut, and the Padres and Giants aren’t going anywhere either.
But Arizona’s recent moves show they’re not content to fade into the background. With a retooled infield and a clubhouse that could benefit from Santana’s veteran presence, the D-backs are aiming to get back in the mix.
It’s not a full rebuild-it’s a recalibration. And with the right blend of experience and youth, Arizona might just have the pieces to make some noise again.