The Arizona Diamondbacks: Facing the Heat of the 2026 Season
It's a critical moment for the Arizona Diamondbacks as they gear up for the upcoming season. While some moves have been made, the core issues remain, leaving fans wondering if the team is truly ready to compete. This article dives into the latest SB Nation Reacts survey results, offering a clear picture of the fans' concerns and the areas that demand immediate attention.
For those unfamiliar, SB Nation Reacts is a regular poll that gauges the pulse of the MLB fanbase. In this instance, it focuses on the Arizona Diamondbacks and their dedicated supporters. If you want to participate in the weekly surveys, you can sign up here.
The D-backs have made some moves this offseason, notably signing free agents Merrill Kelly and Michael Soroka to bolster the pitching rotation. But with Spring Training just around the corner, many of the weaknesses identified at the end of last season remain largely unaddressed. This prompted a recent survey question asking fans to prioritize the areas needing the most attention.
The Good News and the Bad News
One positive development is that Ketel Marte is staying put. No team was willing to meet the asking price for the star second baseman. However, while retaining Marte is a win, it doesn't automatically improve the team's prospects for 2026. This leaves a significant void, and the survey results clearly reflect this. The biggest remaining issue, according to fans, is the bullpen, which received almost half of all the votes, even including the Marte responses. This isn't surprising, considering the relief struggles have been well-documented, and it was arguably the worst part of the team in 2025.
The Bullpen Dilemma
The window to sign a top-tier closer has likely closed, and with Marte off the market, a trade seems unlikely. The relief market has been dominated by sellers this winter. Comparing the ‘Crowd Source’ results here to the actual contracts, it's clear that the market is tight. However, the lack of even lower-tier signings is harder to explain. Of the top twenty free-agent relievers, only Seranthony Domínguez remains unsigned. The remaining options are mostly established arms, such as Justin Wilson (38), Ryan Pressly (37), and David Robertson (41).
Beyond the Bullpen: Other Concerns
But the bullpen isn't the only area of concern. The outfield could potentially be patched up by moving Blaze Alexander there. But this raises another question: Who will play third base? Are we comfortable with Jordan Lawlar and no particular backup option? Or the Pavin Smith/Tyler Locklear platoon at first? [The author mentions they are fine with the Smith/Locklear platoon, which could spark debate among fans.]
The Waiting Game
There's still time for the team to make moves. Remember, at this point last year, the Diamondbacks hadn't signed Shelby Miller, John Curtiss, or Jalen Beeks, relievers who combined for almost 3 bWAR out of the Arizona bullpen. As indicated in the current Opening Day roster, the 26 men who are there now, likely won't be the same 26 on March 26. So, we'll see what Mike Hazen does to improve the team over the next couple of months.
Controversy Alert: Do you agree with the fans' assessment of the team's needs? What moves do you think the Diamondbacks should prioritize? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
