Questions remain for D-backs after slugger Josh Naylor signs with Mariners

Arizona traded him during a season defined by short-term damage control, but the long-term cost is only now becoming clear. Power-first corner infielders with improving plate discipline rarely hit the open market, and when they do, teams with clear playoff aspirations will quickly move upon it.

What is the future for Arizona without Josh Naylor:

Arizona now shifts to what it has done in the recent past, which is going with short-term contracts with veteran deals. For the Diamondbacks and their fans, the emotional weight is real. The frustration isn’t only about losing talent, it’s about wondering whether the front office has a clear timeline for returning to meaningful October baseball. D-backs GM Mike Hazen definitely has options to keep their ship sailing.

If Arizona is going to build sustainably, it can’t merely react to roster changeups, they must anticipate it and adapt. The Diamondbacks have been able to do that in the past, and are doing their best to replicate it.