The Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves in the World Series in 2023. This season turned out to be quite disappointing compared to 2023, as the team got off to a rough start.

But they were hot throughout the match. Ketel Marte led the underdog team to an 89-win season, a five-win improvement from 2023. Despite the five-game improvement, the Diamondbacks missed the playoffs due to a team failure. tie they lost to the Atlanta Braves and New York. Put on.

Now, heading into the offseason, the Diamondbacks will be tasked with putting together an improved team that can compete for a playoff spot in 2025. They narrowly missed the ultimate goal in 2023. They finally have a chance to achieve this goal by 2025.

For more news and rumors, check out MLB Insider Robert Murray’s work at The Baseball Insiders Podcastsubscribe to The moonshotour weekly MLB newsletter, and join the Discord for exclusive information leading up to the MLB offseason.

Every MLB team, especially those that consider themselves contenders, needs a great bullpen. Looking at the four teams remaining in the MLB postseason, they all have solid or above-average bullpens. The Cleveland Guardians have the best bullpen in baseball. The Yankees have one of the best bullpens in the league and the Mets and Dodgers also have solid units.

Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald had a bit of a decline last year and he’s set to enter free agency this offseason. With Sewald entering free agency, the Diamondbacks have the opportunity to look to improve their closer.

The best option available is Tanner Scott, formerly of the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. Scott spent the second half of the season with the Padres, where he was absolutely incredible.

There are few left-handed relievers better than Scott. With that in mind, it’s important to note that almost every team in the league is going to pursue him. The Diamondbacks need to be aggressive in trying to outplay other teams in the league to acquire Scott this offseason.

Heading into the offseason, the Diamondbacks could really use a starting pitcher. Last offseason, they absolutely whiffed on signing left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery. Not only was Montgomery signed for a considerable amount of money, but he performed horribly this year. Now, members of the Diamondbacks front office have come forward to own up to their mistakes regarding the signing.

Now, heading into this offseason, the Diamondbacks need to bring in a pitcher who can help them win rather than one who hurts the team as badly as Montgomery.

One of the best options on the market, who should fit Arizona’s price range, is Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried.

Fried, 30, has pitched to ERAs of 3.25, 2.55, 2.48, 3.04 and 2.25 since the COVID-shortened 2020 season. He was absolutely incredible. Fried is one of the most underrated starters out there. Any team would benefit from a massive upgrade in their starting rotation.

The main competitor in this signing would be the Braves. Most of the top teams will likely have their sights set on the biggest names like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell. But the Diamondbacks need to prioritize Fried’s arrival in Arizona this winter. He could be the difference between a team in the playoffs and the team that missed the tiebreaker this year.

The most important thing for the Diamondbacks this offseason is to make sure they don’t take a step back. Between 2023 and 2024, the team improved its overall record. They didn’t make the playoffs in 2024, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t improved. With their team still young and improving, it’s important that the front office prioritizes bringing back the core that has allowed them to post back-to-back 80-win seasons.

The two biggest pieces on this Diamondbacks team expected to enter free agency are sluggers Christian Walker and Joc Pederson.

Walker should be the team’s top priority this offseason. Walker slashed .251/.335/.468 with 26 homers and 26 doubles this season. He is also one of the best first basemen in the league, recognized by his Gold Glove history and best Gold Glove finishes.

Pederson is another hitter the team needs. Pederson slashed .275/.393/.515 with an OPS north of .900. He was the team’s typical DH and will likely receive plenty of attention in free agency this winter.

If the Diamondbacks really want to win, they can’t back down. Getting Walker and Pederson back would be the best start to their offseason.