The Arizona Diamondbacks missed the postseason in 2023 after making a Cinderella trip to the World Series.
After the World Series appearance, the Diamondbacks finished the season with a respectable 89–73 record, but missed the playoffs and finished third in the National League West.
In a division with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres, the Diamondbacks have a tough road to the division title.
The Diamondbacks made two notable acquisitions this offseason, including trading for first baseman Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians and signing free agent starter Corbin Burns from the Baltimore Orioles.
MLB analyst Tom Verducci revealed his thoughts on the Diamondbacks heading into the 2025 season.
I think this is a sleeper team going into next year,” Verducci said via MLB Network “X”.
“I think this is a sleeper team going into next season.”
Tom Verducci comments on Corbin Burns moving to Arizona and why the D-backs could be a dark horse contender this season. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/6U4GuAdxf8
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 16, 2025
The Diamondbacks finished with a record 16 games over .500, but their rotation struggled throughout the year.
With the addition of Burns, the 2025 rotation for the Diamondbacks includes Burns, Zach Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez and Brandon Pfadt.
The Diamondbacks’ starting rotation appears to contain a lot of talent, and Verducci believes they are a sleeper team entering the 2025 season.
While the Diamondbacks haven’t won a division title since 2011, part of that can be attributed to the difficulty of the division they play in.
The Diamondbacks showed that anything can happen during their World Series run in 2023, and they will look to take the next step and win a title in 2025.
NEXT: Analyst reveals why Corbin Burns is likely to sign with the Diamondbacks
