While the Los Angeles Dodgers make headlines with a staggering $1 billion spending spree this offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks are quietly making waves of their own in the National League West.
Despite being classified as a “low-market” team, the Diamondbacks have shattered franchise records in payroll, strategically reinforcing their roster after falling short in the World Series against the Texas Rangers.
Although Arizona’s acquisitions may not boast the same glitz and glamour as the Dodgers’ star-studded signings, they address crucial needs that became apparent during their World Series campaign.
The team’s General Manager (GM) recently shared insights into his offseason strategy, emphasizing a laser focus on their internal goals rather than getting sidetracked by the Dodgers’ spending spree.
The D-backs GM told Jesse Friedman and PHNX Sports, “I don’t really pay much attention to what they do. We need to figure out what we’re doing, how to make our team better, what we’re going to do to be better than 2023. That’s really all I’m focused on.”
And this is exactly the type of mindset that the Diamondbacks need to have heading into 2024.
Sure, the Dodgers have made a splash this offseason, but just over a month ago, Arizona, with a payroll much less than LA, swept the Dodgers in the NLDS.
And since then, the Diamondbacks have brought in Eduardo Rodriguez to bolster their starting pitching department, Eugenio Suarez to provide a new slugger in the lineup, and have brought back Lourdes Gurriel Jr. as a key free-agent retention.
The Diamondbacks’ record-breaking payroll has sent a signal to the rest of the league. While the Dodgers make waves with their billion-dollar investments, Arizona remains steadfast in its commitment to building a playoff team for years to come.
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