The Arizona Diamondbacks are making significant strides to enhance their team. This offseason, they have made two major additions to their roster by signing Carlos Santana as a first baseman and trading for Nolan Arenado, a third baseman renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, having won multiple Platinum Glove Awards.
At first glance, some fans may find these moves puzzling, especially when considering that many believed the team's primary focus should have been on strengthening their pitching staff. While the D-backs did make some pitching adjustments—such as bringing in Merrill Kelly and Michael Soroka, along with several low-risk bullpen acquisitions—the real improvement is anticipated to come from bolstering their infield defense.
General Manager Mike Hazen has been transparent about this strategy. He pointed out during his end-of-season press conference that one of the team's most significant letdowns in 2025 was their subpar defensive performance in the first half of the season. Hazen acknowledged, "Overall, our defense changed dramatically in the second half, which I believe helped alleviate some of the frustrations we experienced with our pitching earlier on."
He further remarked, "This is an area I intend to prioritize even more actively in the offseason. It’s essential that we elevate the defensive capabilities at all eight positions."
From what we can see on paper, the D-backs have indeed taken steps to address this concern. Arenado, widely recognized as one of the best defensive third basemen in Major League Baseball history, is expected to solidify their infield defense. Hazen expressed enthusiasm about Arenado's potential impact: "We believe he significantly strengthens our infield defense. Improving our defensive play has been a central goal for us, as I am convinced it will positively influence our pitching performance."
Santana also brings valuable defensive prowess to the first base position, having recorded +12 Defensive Runs Saved in 2025. Historically, he has been a reliable defender, regardless of his offensive output.
It's important to note that defensive errors played a considerable role in the struggles faced by the D-backs' pitching staff. In fact, Arizona committed the fewest errors across the league in both 2023 and 2024, but their error count surged in 2025, increasing by 22 to a total of 84, compared to just 62 the previous year.
Defense has long been a hallmark of Arizona's identity, allowing them to stay competitive in tight games and even secure victories during their outstanding performances in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. However, the decline in defensive efficiency marked a significant setback, mirroring the overall disappointment of the 2025 season.
With two elite defenders now stationed at the corner infield positions, the Diamondbacks are well-positioned to reclaim their defensive sharpness in 2026. Hazen reiterated, "Enhancing our defense was a major focus this offseason, and it remains a priority moving forward. My aim is to ensure we have a strong defensive lineup throughout the field next year."
As the D-backs look ahead, will these changes be enough to regain their competitive edge? What do you think about the direction the team is taking? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
