Can the Arizona Diamondbacks Contend for a Playoff Spot

Can the Arizona Diamondbacks contend for a playoff spot during the rest of the season? They are within striking distance right now. In the NL with eight teams battling for three spots, however, consistent and determined play must begin now.

Dramatically Improve

The Diamondbacks, currently hovering around .500, must dramatically improve their offense to make a postseason push. They are ranked in the bottom in key offensive categories, including batting average, OPS, and runs scored. Situational hitting must improve with runners in scoring position. The team currently stands last in the NL in hitting average with runners in scoring position. This, obviously, has adversely impacted their overall run production.

Home Run Power

The Diamondbacks have tussled with hitting home runs this season. As of this past Saturday, they are second to last in MLB with 91 home runs. This is significantly lower than their totals in previous seasons. They know they need a left-handed bat and signed Max Kepler. However, it will take more than Kepler, as this lineup lacks sufficient middle-of-the-order power. If they decide to make trades, this will be at the top of the priority list.

Consistent Starting Pitching

Consistent and steady starting pitching is crucial for the Arizona Diamondbacks to remain competitive. The starting staff has struggled significantly, posting a near-5.50 ERA, the worst in the NL. The starters are averaging about 5.2 innings per start in 2026. Veterans Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly have had challenging seasons, and Gallen is now on the IL. His return has not been determined.

Injuries to starters Ryne Nelson and Michael Soroka have not helped the starting staff. There has been no set time frame, but both are scheduled to return in mid-August. Improving the starting pitching is essential for the team’s success moving forward. That could come from trades or from Kelly and Gallen regaining their form again. Or, it could come from the healthy return of Nelson and Soroka. Any of these could be the spark the team needs to get itself going in the right direction.

Bullpen

Can the Arizona Diamondbacks contend for a playoff spot for the rest of the season? What was a problem in the past has actually become a strong point this season—the bullpen. The bullpen has kept them in many games. Closer Paul Sewald has found his form after a couple of injury-filled years. He has 23 saves in 24 chances. The Diamondbacks began the season with no left-handed bullpen arms, then lefty Brandyn Garcia was called up. He has been a real surprise. Garcia has become their best ground-ball specialist. He has a 1.82 ERA and induces many double-play balls. The upcoming issue is whether the starting staff can extend past five innings. If not, the bullpen arms will become overused. This causes the notorious arm fatigue to set in. If that happens, the Diamondbacks could find themselves in trouble.

Upgrades Needed

General manager Mike Hazen has made it known that the plan is to be buyers on the trade market. The team knows what they need to make their run. Their dilemma remains the same, many other teams need the same things. Counting both the AL and NL division leaders, 22 of the 30 MLB teams are in contention for a playoff spot. A concern is the remaining eight teams projected to be sellers. Will they want to make the trades to just anyone? Bidding wars will certainly break out, and the Diamondbacks need to be careful not to give up their top prospects—that is, giving up their future for a run today.

Outlook

Can the Arizona Diamondbacks contend for a playoff spot for the rest of the season? The answer is yes, but they need a change in attitude. The team as a whole should have one simple focus: win. However, that is always easier said than done. They have 65 games left, with 33 at home. They play 16 teams also considered in the playoff chase and they need to win the series against each of those teams.

Still, if they can get the starting pitchers to extend their innings and be more consistent in their performances and if the offense can find a way to score runs—even if it is small ball and aggressive base running—the Diamondbacks should be able to stay in the race. They know they need to be more consistent; they must find that magical “piece” to help them do it. If they can find that spark, the team could hit the postseason on an upswing and find themselves going far.

Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).

Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).