In a rarity for the contemporary game, the 2024 D-Backs arguably possessed one of the National League’s best offenses (first in runs, second in hits, and second in OPS). And yet, painfully, they missed out on the playoffs as a result of unexpected weakness and instability from their starting rotation and bullpen. While many of the pitching staff will be returning for 2025 - hopefully with better results - the team is set to lose the offensive talents of Christian Walker, Joc Pederson, and Randal Grichuk. Those three combined for 295 hits, 61 homers, and 7.7 bWAR, which works out to a whopping 20% of the team’s hits, 29% of their home runs, and 23% of the position player’s bWAR.
Thursday Tidbits: Designated Hitter Contenders
