Arizona Diamondbacks Face Offseason Challenges After Near Playoff Miss

The Arizona Diamondbacks concluded the 2026 season just two games away from a playoff spot, marking their third consecutive year without postseason participation. Despite finishing with a respectable 86-76 record, the team faced challenges in a competitive National League.

As they head into the offseason, the Diamondbacks are likely to operate under a tighter budget and have identified significant needs in their pitching staff and at first base. They are also obligated to a $5 million buyout for released outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., contributing to a total of $460 million in future commitments.

General manager Mike Hazen, who is under contract through 2028, and manager Torey Lovullo, recently re-signed for two more years, will focus on addressing the roster's deficiencies. The team has ten impending free agents, with eight of them being pitchers, indicating that the pitching staff will be a primary area of concern moving forward.