Los Angeles Dodgers: Predicting the 2020 NL West standings

2. Arizona Diamondbacks:

• 2019 record: 85-77
• 2020 projected record: 88-74

I will say this, the Arizona Diamondbacks did get better this offseason. While I do not think that the team got exponentially better and I probably value their improvements less than a Diamondback fan, they did get marginally better this offseason and we will see that with a marginal improvement in the record.

The Diamondbacks added Madison Bumgarner, which if you really think about it, is just a lateral move after trading Zack Greinke last season, Starling Marte and Kole Calhoun. Marte and Calhoun improve the outfield and give the Diamondbacks a really good defensive outfield, although Calhoun is not consistent at the plate while Marte is pretty solid.

The team also is hoping for another step up from Ketel Marte, who had a breakout season in 2019. While Ketel will likely still be an all-star, I think we do see a natural slight regression and the additions that the team made in Starling will only slightly improve the team overall with the slight regression of Ketel.

The backend of the Diamondbacks’ rotation has questions but also has potential in Luke Weaver. However, the team is one or two injuries from having a depleted rotation.

The bullpen is also a question mark for the team. While not awful, it certainly is not a bullpen that is going to win any games for the team.

I think the Diamondbacks are right in the mix for the second wild-card spot but narrowly miss out.