Diamondbacks sign three free agents to get back to the World Series in 2025

The Diamondbacks reached the World Series in 2023, and they will need a successful summer if they want to return in 2025.

The Arizona Diamondbacks reached the World Series in 2023. This season appeared to be a letdown in comparison to 2023, as the club struggled from the outset.

However, they got hot down the stretch. Ketel Marte led the underdogs to an 89-win season, a five-win increase from 2023. Despite the five-game improvement, the Diamondbacks were unable to advance to the postseason due to a tiebreaker loss to the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets.

Now, when the offseason begins, the Diamondbacks will be faced with assembling an upgraded club capable of competing for a postseason position in 2025. They fell just shy of the final target in 2023. They have the opportunity to eventually reach that aim in 2025.

3. Adding LHP Tanner Scott would give Arizona much needed high leverage bullpen support

Every MLB team, particularly those thinking themselves contenders, requires an effective bullpen. The four remaining clubs in the MLB postseason all feature solid to above-average bullpens. The Cleveland Guardians boast the strongest bullpen in baseball. The Yankees have one of the league’s best bullpens, while the Mets and Dodgers have strong groups as well.

Paul Sewald, the Diamondbacks’ closer, had a disappointing year last year and will hit free agency this winter. With Sewald hitting free agency, the Diamondbacks have an opportunity to improve their closer.

Tanner Scott, who previously played for the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, is the best available choice. Scott played the second half of the season with the Padres, where he was just fantastic.

Few left-handed relievers are as good as Scott. With that said, it’s worth noting that almost every team in the league will be pursuing him. The Diamondbacks need to be aggressive in trying to beat out the other teams in the league to get Scott this offseason.

2. Adding LHP Max Fried would be the ace-caliber pitcher that Arizona needs

The Diamondbacks could use a starting pitcher this offseason. Last offseason, they made a huge mistake by signing left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery. Montgomery was not only signed for a large sum of money, but he played poorly this season. Now, members of the Diamondbacks’ front management have recognized their shortcomings over the signing.

Now, heading into the offseason, the Diamondbacks need to bring in a pitcher who can help them win rather than one who may harm the franchise as much as Montgomery did.

Max Fried, an Atlanta Braves lefty, is one of the finest alternatives on the market and should be within Arizona’s budget.

Fried, 30, has pitched with ERAs of 3.25, 2.55, 2.48, 3.04, and 2.25 since the COVID-shortened 2020 season. He has been simply great. Fried is one of the most underappreciated starters in the market. Any team would see a significant improvement in their starting rotation.

The Braves would be the main competitors for this signing. Most of the top clubs will likely be looking for bigger stars like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell. But the Diamondbacks must prioritize bringing Fried to Arizona this winter. He may be the difference between a playoff club and the team that lost out on a tiebreaker this year.

1. Arizona must re-sign Christian Walker and Joc Pederson this Winter

The Diamondbacks’ most essential goal this offseason is to avoid going backward. From 2023 to 2024, the team improved its overall record. They did not make the playoffs in 2024, but it does not imply they haven’t improved. With their squad still young and improving, it’s critical that the front management focuses reuniting the core that has propelled them to two consecutive 80-win seasons.

The Diamondbacks’ top two free agents are sluggers Christian Walker and Joc Pederson.

Walker should be the team’s number one focus this offseason. Walker slashed.251/.335/.468 with 26 home runs and 26 doubles this season. He’s also one of the league’s best first base defenders, as seen by his multiple Gold Gloves and top Gold Glove finishes.

Pederson is another slugger the organization needs to bring back. Pederson slashed.275/.393/.515 with an OPS above.900. He was the team’s traditional DH and will undoubtedly draw a lot of interest in free agency this winter.

If the Diamondbacks are serious about winning, they cannot go backward. Getting Walker and Pederson back would be a great way to start their offseason.