The Arizona Diamondbacks have taken a noticeably quieter approach this offseason compared to the splashy winters of years past. After previously making noise with moves for names like Corbin Burnes, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Jordan Montgomery, this winter has felt more like a slow simmer than a full boil.
With pitchers and catchers set to report soon, the Diamondbacks still find themselves with a to-do list that’s longer than they’d like. The most pressing question?
Where do they need help the most. Is it bolstering a starting rotation that could use another reliable arm?
Shoring up the back end of the bullpen? Or finally addressing the revolving door at first base - a position that, at this point, appears to still belong to Pavin Smith by default?
There’s no shortage of areas that could use reinforcements, and that’s part of what makes this moment so pivotal for GM Mike Hazen and his staff. The D-backs are coming off a season where they showed flashes of real promise, and the challenge now is building on that momentum - not letting it slip away due to roster gaps that could have been addressed.
One of the more intriguing discussions around the team right now centers on first base. Rumors have linked Arizona to potential platoon options like Ty France and Carlos Santana - two veterans who bring very different skill sets to the table.
France offers a contact-heavy approach with decent pop, while Santana, even at this stage of his career, still knows how to work a count and draw a walk. Neither is a long-term solution, but as a short-term fix, a platoon could at least stabilize a position that’s been in flux.
Then there’s the decision not to trade Ketel Marte - a move that, in hindsight, might be the best one the front office made all offseason. Marte remains the heartbeat of this lineup, a switch-hitting spark plug who can impact the game in multiple ways. Keeping him in the fold sends a clear message: this team still believes in its core, and it’s not interested in taking a step back.
As the countdown to spring training continues, all eyes will be on how the Diamondbacks round out this roster. There’s still time to make a few meaningful additions, but the clock is ticking. And with the NL West looking as competitive as ever, standing pat might not be an option.
Oh, and yes - it’s Mailbag Monday. Stay tuned.