Diamondbacks Aim for Calm After a Turbulent 2024 Season: A Look Ahead to 2025

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo hopes for a calmer season in 2025. After navigating a year filled with injuries in 2024, he’s eager to avoid the constant pressure he described as needing to “hold my breath.”

As spring training concludes and the MLB Opening Day approaches, excitement is palpable. The Diamondbacks kick off their 2025 season with a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field starting March 27, raising questions among fans about whether this could be the year of stability.

Last year, optimism ran high. The team’s impressive 2023 World Series run had fans invigorated at the start of the 2024 season. However, that enthusiasm quickly diminished as the Diamondbacks faced a wave of injuries. In the first two months alone, they designated 10 players to the injured list, significantly impacting the roster.

Ultimately, the Diamondbacks ranked 21st among MLB teams, missing a staggering 1,299 days due to injuries. Financially, they spent $32 million on players sidelined by injuries, a burden that didn’t translate into playoff appearances as they fell short on the final day of the regular season.

In response to the injury crisis, Lovullo and general manager Mike Hazen focused on improving the team’s depth during the offseason. Key acquisitions included ace pitcher Corbin Burnes and first baseman Josh Naylor. Naylor’s move from Cleveland followed the departure of Christian Walker to the Houston Astros.

Burnes was added to bolster the pitching staff after the team struggled with injuries to Merrill Kelly and Jordan Montgomery last season. Kelly expressed optimism regarding the new signings, suggesting that the team is poised for better performance if they can maintain their health. “If we can stay healthy with the additions that we have made, I think we will be in a good spot,” he said.

Naylor, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2024 with a .243 average and 31 home runs, joins the Diamondbacks with limited prior experience at Chase Field. Despite playing only six games there, he remains unfazed by his lack of familiarity. “I just try to play my game,” Naylor stated, emphasizing his focus over metrics.

Among the offseason signings, Garrett Hampson stands out as a valuable asset. Signed to a minor league contract, Hampson has experience at every position except catcher. Throughout his seven years in the league, he has demonstrated exceptional versatility, making him crucial in case of further injuries.

Hampson takes pride in his flexibility, actively training in various roles. He noted, “I think they definitely want to build off depth and a lot of these players can play different positions.” His outlook reflects a broader strategy as players like Randal Grichuk and Pavin Smith rotate through multiple positions, adding depth to the lineup.

With a deeper roster, Lovullo faces tough decisions as the season approaches. “I like that we have these problems. It means we have a good team,” he remarked, highlighting the advantages of a well-rounded squad as they head into the new season.