Diamondbacks preseason capsule: Rotation strong with addition of Corbin Burnes

Field Level Media|published: Sat 15th March, 10:22 2025

Mar 3, 2025; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) throws against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Arizona Diamondbacks

2024 record: 89-73 (3rd place, NL West).

He gone: 1B Christian Walker, RHP Paul Sewald, OF/DH Joc Pederson, INF Kevin Newman, 1B Josh Bell.

New faces: RHP Corbin Burnes, 1B Josh Naylor, INF Grae Kessinger, RHP Seth Martinez, RHP Kendall Graveman.

Biggest question entering Opening Day: After a slow start in 2023, the Diamondbacks rebounded and made it all the way to the World Series, but a similar slow start proved too much to overcome last season. A talented rotation has depth, but will a reworked bullpen be able to get the job done late in games?

Top prospect: SS Jordan Lawlar made it to the major leagues for a short time in 2023 but never made it back last year after thumb and hamstring injuries. So he went to winter ball, played a little third base to add to his versatility, and is ready to rise again.

Breakout player: C Adrian Del Castillo showed in a 25-game major league stint last season that he is ready for the big time, but Gabriel Moreno is the No. 1 backstop in the desert.

2025 outlook: The 2023 NL champions have a rotation that can get them back into contention, with Burnes added to a staff that includes RHPs Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly and LHP Eduardo Rodriguez. Multiple strong options for the No. 2 spot show Arizona's depth, while Corbin Carroll, Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas comprise the best defensive outfield in the game. 3B Eugenio Suarez will be out to continue his late-season push from 2024.

--Field Level Media

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