Inspiration.
This season, many Diamondbacks were injured. Some of them performed very well. Next season, assuming they avoid injury, these high performers will play in more games. By playing more games, they will make the team better, perhaps pushing the team into solid playoff contention. Which of these players will make the most impact from increased playing time?
Before continuing, honorable mention to Zac Gallen (ERA+ of 67), who will be a free agent and next season he will improve the team by playing zero
games for the Diamondbacks.
Also, honorable mention to Geraldo Perdomo whose batting breakout in August shows potential for increased performance next season.
Two Mighty Outfielders.
The Diamondbacks have lost two outfielders (Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas).
Outfielder Jake McCarthy was traded away before the 2026 season. This season, the Diamondbacks miss his .822 OPS.
Alek Thomas was traded to the Dodgers. Although this season his OPS was .563 with the Diamondbacks and .513 with the Dodgers, there were high expectations for his batting to improve dramatically.
Ryan Waldschmidt. Ryan Waldschmidt is young (23 years old). This season was his MLB debut. He is a “5 tool player, 25/25 threat, good CF,…” per Diamondbacks Prospects.
His defense is very good in left field and center field. Details are in the following table (Data from The Fielding Bible and Baseball Savant):
In August & September (games thru 12 September) his OPS was .724 when he played left field (league average for left fielders was .716). His OPS when he played center field was .478, so perhaps left field should be his everyday position.
He hit walk-off homers on 7 and 25 August. That was record breaking.
- First Diamondback rookie to pinch hit a walk off homer.
- First MLB rookie to hit two walk-off homers while training in the same calendar month.
“Everyone wants to get the opportunity to be the hero and have a chance to win it for their team, and I think just being able to go in with a pretty relaxed mentality about it, not trying to put too much pressure on myself to obviously come up in those big moments. I think that’s just how the game falls sometimes, and the game’s going to find you, especially as a young guy, and you’re going to get those opportunities.” — Ryan Waldschmidt on his mindset.
Next season, Waldschmidt’s playing time will likely go up by at least 45%, contributing to a better Diamondbacks team next season.
Nootbaar. While not as young as Waldschmidt, Nootbaar is relatively young at 29 years old. The Diamondbacks acquired him at the trade deadline. Next season will be his last in arbitration before he becomes a free agent.
His defense is slightly above average, but falls short of Waldschmidt. For example, Fielding run value is 2 (Range 1, and Arm 1) instead of Waldschmidt’s 4.
This season, his OPS was .688 with the Cardinals and .765 with the Diamondbacks. Nootbaar bats left-handed, which adds value to the Diamondbacks.
Three Mighty Starting Pitchers.
Burnes. He won the Cy Young award in 2021. He is under contract through 2030.
He missed most of 2026 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Then a teres major shoulder strain delayed his return.
Next season, I’m confident he will anchor the rotation.
Pfaadt. He is under contract through 2030. This season he has started and been a reliever. His high potential is shown by his 1.15 ERA for his nine starts between 30 June and 14 August. For the entire season, his ERA+ was 111.
Ryne Nelson. His arbitration with the Diamondbacks lasts two more seasons. Last season his ERA+ was 125. Fans expressed the opinion that he will be the most valuable pitcher this season. With an 85 ERA+ this season, it is not much of a stretch to say he that next season he will bounce back to last season’s performance.
Two Mighty Relievers.
The bullpen was better this season than it has been for years. The Diamondbacks have finally figured it out! Beyond that, there are two relievers who performed well this season, and are expected to pitch in more games next season.
Dennis Santana. He was acquired on a minor league contract. Reasons that he might be called up were considered in an AZ SnakePit article. Five days after that article, he was called up.
His performance as a Diamondbacks was incredible! Pre-trade with the Pirates, his 74 ERA+ was poor. Post-trade with the Diamondbacks, his 482 ERA+ showed a remarkable performance breakout!
Justin Martinez. His fastball frequently tops 102 MPH. this season his average four-seam fastball was 101.5 MPH and his average sinker was 101.6 MPH. He missed most of this season recovering from Tommy John Surgery.
Top Level View.
The following table shows the increased games and a subjective level of performance next season (Data from Baseball Reference):
Summary.
Seven players could have great performances next season, and will likely play more games next season compared to this season. That would have a positive impact on next season. The players follow:
Waldschmidt
Nootbaar
Burnes
Pfaadt
Nelson
Dennis Santana
Justin Martinez
