What Happened to Arizona Diamondbacks?
The Arizona Diamondbacks, after a surprising 2023 World Series appearance, experienced two consecutive seasons missing the playoffs in 2024 and 2025, battling injuries and roster changes. As of August 2026, the team is contending for a Wild Card spot, having made significant roster adjustments and seen a minority ownership stake acquired by Rob Walton, while grappling with payroll considerations and ongoing player developments.
Quick Answer
The Arizona Diamondbacks reached the World Series in 2023, but subsequently missed the playoffs in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, facing significant pitching injuries and making several key trades. As of August 28, 2026, the team holds a 70-63 record and is actively competing for a Wild Card berth in the National League, having recently acquired outfielder Lars Nootbaar and seen a minority ownership investment from Rob Walton. Owner Ken Kendrick has indicated a focus on maintaining a competitive roster despite an expected payroll decrease for 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Lost World Series to Texas Rangers
The Arizona Diamondbacks concluded a surprising postseason run by losing the World Series in five games to the Texas Rangers.
Acquired Eugenio Suárez
The Diamondbacks traded for third baseman Eugenio Suárez from the Seattle Mariners, aiming to add a right-handed power bat and address a need at third base.
Signed Eduardo Rodriguez
Arizona signed left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to a four-year, $80 million deal, bolstering their starting rotation.
Missed 2024 Playoffs
The Diamondbacks finished the 2024 season with an 89-73 record but failed to secure a playoff spot after faltering in the final week.
Key Player Extensions
The Diamondbacks signed several players to multi-year extensions, including right-handed pitcher Justin Martínez (5 years, $18M) and right-handed pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (5 years, $45M).
Ketel Marte Contract Extension
Second baseman Ketel Marte signed a six-year, $116.5 million contract extension, solidifying a key part of the team's core.
Mid-Season Veteran Trades
Facing significant pitching injuries, the Diamondbacks traded several veterans, including Josh Naylor, Jordan Montgomery, Merrill Kelly, and Eugenio Suárez, in a move to retool.
Torey Lovullo Retained as Manager
Owner Ken Kendrick announced that Torey Lovullo would return as manager for the 2026 season, citing his leadership through a challenging, injury-plagued 2025 campaign.
Expected Payroll Decrease for 2026
After a record-high payroll in 2025, owner Ken Kendrick indicated that the team's payroll would decrease for the 2026 season, while still aiming for competitiveness.
Signed Michael Soroka and Merrill Kelly
The Diamondbacks signed right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka to a one-year deal and re-signed Merrill Kelly to a two-year, $40 million contract.
Rob Walton Acquires Minority Stake
It was publicly revealed that Rob Walton, owner of the Denver Broncos, had quietly purchased a 10% minority stake in the Diamondbacks two years prior, valuing the team at $2 billion.
Michael Soroka Placed on IL
Right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka was placed on the 15-day injured list with right arm inflammation, further impacting the pitching staff.
Acquired Lars Nootbaar
The Diamondbacks acquired outfielder Lars Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade, adding to their offensive depth for a playoff push.
Current Playoff Contention
As of today, the Arizona Diamondbacks hold a 70-63 record and are actively battling for a Wild Card spot in the National League.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Following a remarkable run to the 2023 World Series, where they ultimately fell to the Texas Rangers, the Arizona Diamondbacks entered the 2024 season with high expectations and a commitment to bolster their roster. General Manager Mike Hazen prioritized starting pitching and right-handed bats, acquiring third baseman Eugenio Suárez and left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, and re-signing outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.. Despite these efforts, the Diamondbacks finished the 2024 season with an 89-73 record but narrowly missed the playoffs after a late-season stumble. Eduardo Rodriguez, a key pitching acquisition, started the season on the injured list but returned to contribute later in the year.
The 2025 season proved to be a challenging one for the Diamondbacks, as they finished with an 80-82 record, placing fourth in the NL West and missing the postseason for the second consecutive year. A significant factor was a rash of pitching injuries, including season-ending Tommy John surgery for free-agent signee ace Corbin Burnes, as well as high-leverage relievers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez. Despite these setbacks, the team secured long-term contract extensions for core players like Ketel Marte, Justin Martínez, and Brandon Pfaadt. At the 2025 trade deadline, the Diamondbacks made several moves to retool, trading veterans such as Josh Naylor, Randal Grichuk, Jordan Montgomery, Merrill Kelly, and Eugenio Suárez. Following the season, owner Ken Kendrick confirmed that manager Torey Lovullo would return for his ninth season in 2026, citing his ability to keep the team competitive despite the injury woes and mid-season trades. Kendrick also indicated an expected decrease in payroll for 2026 from the franchise-record $195 million in 2025, while still aiming to fund a competitive team.
Heading into 2026, the Diamondbacks continued to make strategic roster adjustments. In December 2025, they signed right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka to a one-year deal and re-signed Merrill Kelly to a two-year contract. February 2026 saw the addition of first baseman Carlos Santana on a one-year contract. A significant off-field development emerged in March 2026, when it was revealed that Rob Walton, owner of the Denver Broncos, had quietly acquired a 10% minority stake in the Diamondbacks two years prior, valuing the franchise at $2 billion. Majority owner Ken Kendrick remains in control, but Walton's investment provides additional financial stability. Kendrick also publicly advocated for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that would promote greater competitive balance across MLB, hinting at discussions around a salary cap.
As of August 28, 2026, the Arizona Diamondbacks hold a record of 70-63 and are in third place in the NL West, actively battling for a National League Wild Card position. Recent transactions include the acquisition of outfielder Lars Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals in August 2026, and the signing of veteran infielder Santiago Espinal to a minor league deal. However, the team has also faced recent injuries, with Michael Soroka placed on the injured list in August and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. having spent time on the IL earlier in May. The team's performance is driven by key players like Ketel Marte and Gabriel Moreno, with Eduardo Rodriguez emerging as a pitching leader. The potential return of Eugenio Suárez, recently waived by the Reds, has also been a topic of discussion as the Diamondbacks look to solidify their roster for a playoff push.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Arizona Diamondbacks made different choices?