8. Arizona Diamondbacks

One of the worst pitching staffs in baseball became one of the best in a span of one year. Zack Godley and his curveball of death engineered a big breakout;
8. Arizona Diamondbacks
8. Arizona Diamondbacks /

One of the worst pitching staffs in baseball became one of the best in a span of one year. Zack Godley and his curveball of death engineered a big breakout; Patrick Corbin looked good as he put another year between himself and Tommy John surgery; Robbie Ray added improved command to his spectacular swing-and-miss stuff; Taijuan Walker proved a more-than-capable fifth starter; and Zack Greinke returned to ace form after a disappointing first season in the desert.

Arizona’s biggest hole to fill will be corner outfield, assuming free agent J.D. Martinez finds a new employer. Martinez became one of the best deadline pickups in baseball history in 2017, launching an incredible 29 home runs in just 62 games as a Diamondback. Yasmany Tomas’ terrible on-base percentages and even worse defense make him subpar as a starter for a team with repeat playoff aspirations. Making a play to bring Martinez back, pursuing Lorenzo Cain to fortify the defense and add athleticism, or making a shrewd trade are all viable options to solve the problem.


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