Three questions facing the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason

The Arizona Diamondbacks did not expect to end the 2025 season with an 80-82 record.

A fruitful offseason capped by a six-year, $210 million contract for pitcher Corbin Burnes led to playoff aspirations. Those dreams were dashed almost from the beginning of the season as mediocre play and a litany of injuries torpedoed the campaign. Instead, the Diamondbacks were sellers at the deadline, shipping out third baseman Eugenio Suarez, pitcher Merrill Kelly and first baseman Josh Naylor among departing players.

The Diamondbacks find themselves at a crossroads entering the offseason. Key pitchers, such as Burnes and relievers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez, will miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season. Fellow pitcher Zac Gallen is slated to be a free agent. However, the Diamondbacks still have a solid core, highlighted by outfielder Corbin Carroll, second baseman Ketel Marte and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. 

If the Diamondbacks plan on competing in 2026, they have a lot of work to do. Let's look at three questions for the Diamondbacks as they enter the offseason.

Three questions for the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason

1. Can the Diamondbacks finally build a complete bullpen?

The bullpen has been a sore spot for the Diamondbacks over the past few years, finding varying success in free agency and the trade market. The questions are louder this season as Puk, Martinez and Kevin Ginkel will begin the 2026 season on the Injured List.

Help would be available in free agency if ownership wants to open the checkbook. Closers such as Kenley Jansen and Raisel Iglesias would provide a solid one-year bridge to ensure Martinez and Puk return to form. It may be a matter of how much the Diamondbacks are willing to spend in free agency.

2. Are the youngsters ready to step up?

The Diamondbacks may have their answers at first and third base already in the system. Former prospects Tyler Locklear and Jordan Lawlar saw time at first and third, respectively, in Arizona. Both players struggled; Locklear posted a .175/.265/.262 batting line with three homers in 116 plate appearances, while Lawlar posted a .182/.257/.288 batting line with seven doubles in 74 plate appearances.

The Diamondbacks may have reinforcements on the pitching side as well. Prospects Cristian Mena, Kohl Drake and Mitch Bratt are knocking on the major league door. However, none of these players have established themselves at the major league level. If the Diamondbacks are going to compete in 2026, their prospects need to prove that they are ready.

3. Will the Diamondbacks treat 2026 as a bridge year?

The Diamondbacks are already behind the 8-ball as they look ahead to the 2026 season. Burnes, Puk, Martinez, Ginkel and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will miss at least a large chunk of the season. Pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez and Brandon Pfaadt were mediocre at best. Yes, the Diamondbacks have talent on the roster, but it may not be enough in a division with the Dodgers and Padres.

As such, it is not guaranteed that the Diamondbacks will look to compete in the upcoming year. While that does not mean that Arizona will do nothing, any moves may be geared toward 2027 and beyond. The answer to that question will shape their 2025-26 offseason.