A Troubling Defensive Slump: Can the D-Backs Rebound?
The 2025 season left a bitter taste for D-Backs fans, and a big part of that disappointment was their defensive performance. It was a common theme throughout the year, with commentators often highlighting how defensive blunders drove manager Torey Lovullo to distraction. This defensive ugliness caught my attention early on, and it's a problem that persisted throughout the season, despite Torey's evident frustration and efforts to address it.
While it's important not to overstate the issue, the D-Backs' defense took a significant step back compared to the previous year. Depending on the metric, they ranked anywhere from 11th to 24th in the majors, a stark contrast to their top-tier performance in 2024. This regression was a key factor in their overall decline, and as we head into Spring Training, the team's defense is under the microscope.
The projected starting rotation isn't known for striking out batters, so a strong defense is crucial to keep runs off the board. So, what improvements can be made to ensure a turnaround?
Roster Changes: A Mixed Bag
The switch from Christian Walker to Josh Naylor at first base was always going to result in some defensive regression. Naylor is solid in the field, but he's no match for Walker's impressive 13 OAA in 2024. Ironically, Walker's performance dipped last year, leveling the playing field with Naylor. Now, with Naylor in Seattle, the D-Backs brought in Carlos Santana, who, despite his age, offers an 8 OAA improvement over Naylor and is just two years removed from a Gold Glove-caliber season.
At third base, Nolan Arenado continues to be a defensive wizard, but his offensive contributions are waning. In contrast, Eugenio Suarez has been a defensive liability for most of his career, including leading the league in errors twice. This is acceptable when he's hitting home runs, but his poor .189/.255/.428 slash line last year makes it less tolerable. The front office's decision to prioritize defense over offense is understandable, but it relies on the offensive output of Geraldo Perdomo, Ketel Marte, and Corbin Carroll, a trio who must maintain their offensive peaks.
However, Carroll's recent hamate injury casts doubt on this strategy.
Individual Growth: The Key to Success
While the roster changes should, in theory, improve the team's defense, it's unlikely to be enough to replicate the heights of the 2023-24 season. For that, the D-Backs will need some growth from their existing players, especially the younger ones. Geraldo Perdomo and Gabriel Moreno are two players who could make a significant impact.
Perdomo had a breakout season last year, but there's still room for improvement as he gains more experience and confidence at shortstop. He ranked 16th in defensive WAR among shortstops last year and accumulated 5 OAA, so there's potential for further development.
Moreno has been a defensive beast since joining the team, but his durability is a concern. He's only played 100 or more games once in his career, and catching is an inherently demanding position. Moreno has been plagued by injuries, including shoulder inflammation, a thumb sprain, an adductor strain, and a finger fracture that cost him over two months last year. When he's on the field, Moreno can be a game-changer with his bat and arm, but staying healthy is crucial.
So, can the D-Backs turn their defensive fortunes around? It's a tall order, but with some roster tweaks and individual growth, they might just surprise us. What do you think? Is this defensive slump a cause for concern, or can the D-Backs bounce back?
