3 questions facing the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason

The Arizona Diamondbacks had a solid season, posting an 86-76 record. That record ultimately did not matter, as the 10th-best record in the majors resulted in the Diamondbacks missing the postseason.

Although the 2026 season marked the third consecutive year that the Diamondbacks missed the playoffs, it was a step in the right direction. They were six games better than they had been in 2025, a notable achievement given that they are in the same division as the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers.

While the Diamondbacks made progress in 2026, they have work to do in order to contend with the Padres and Dodgers. Let's look at three questions facing the Diamondbacks this offseason.

Three questions facing the Arizona Diamondbacks

1. Will second baseman Ketel Marte be on the Opening Day roster?

There is no question that Marte is a key part of the Diamondbacks lineup. He had an excellent three-year run from 2023 through 2025, posting a .283/.368/.519 batting line in his 1780 plate appearances, hitting 89 homers and 77 doubles. Marte was a two-time All-Star, finished third in the 2024 NL MVP balloting and cemented his place as one of the better second basemen in the game.

His stock took a hit in 2026. Marte had a down year by his standards, posting a .249/.316/.432 batting line with 22 homers and 31 doubles in his 624 plate appearances. He disappeared in August, missing a game in Boston before being placed on the Restricted List and, eventually, a stint on the Injured List. Marte's maturity issues, down season, and the fact that he will earn his 10-5 rights in April make moving Marte a difficult proposition. Nonetheless, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reported that the Diamondbacks will explore trades for Marte again this offseason.

2. Who starts at first base next year?

The Diamondbacks likely felt that they had the future at first base set when they acquired Tyler Locklear from the Mariners ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. Locklear struggled during his 31-game stint in Arizona that year, leading to the Diamondbacks signing veteran Carlos Santana as a stopgap. However, aside from an unexpectedly dominant month from utility man Ildemaro Vargas, the Diamondbacks struggled to get production from their first basemen.

According to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, third baseman Nolan Arenado could be a part of the answer. While he would remain the Diamondbacks' primary third baseman, giving Arenado time at first could help keep him healthy. Locklear could get a longer look as well after posting a solid .278/.357/.444 batting line with a home run and three doubles in his 42 plate appearances in 2026. 

3. Can the Diamondbacks rebuild the pitching staff?

The Diamondbacks bullpen was a sore spot in 2026 and may have been the reason why they missed the playoffs. They have a strong trio in Brandyn Garcia, Justin Martinez and Juan Morillo, but also have five relievers slated to reach free agency. Likewise, starting pitchers Michael Soroka and Zac Gallen are free agents as well.

There could be more turnover after the 2027 season as Eduardo Rodriguez and Merrill Kelly could reach free agency if they are unable to reach their vesting options. Getting Corbin Burnes back should make a tremendous difference, but the Diamondbacks will need the likes of Mitch Bratt and Kohl Drake to step up and prove they can be viable major league options.