How a Surprising Defensive Shift Is Changing the Game Overnight

Introduction

When I reflect on the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2025 campaign, it’s tough not to zero in on their defense — or rather, the glaring absence of solid defense. As the season unfolded, I found myself tuning into games, hearing broadcasters Steve Berthiaume or Bob Brenly repeatedly lament how defensive misplays and blunders seemed to rattle manager Torey Lovullo to no end. That defensive woe? It grabbed my attention early on and, frustratingly, never quite went away. Torey’s visible frustration didn’t seem to inspire a turnaround either, which makes you wonder… How bad was it, really? Well, despite the rough patches, their defense wasn’t outright atrocious. Depending on which stat you lean toward — anywhere from FanGraphs’ defensive rating placing them 11th in the majors, to Baseball Reference ranking them 24th in defensive runs saved — it’s clear they weren’t the cellar dwellers. But here’s the kicker: compared to 2024, when they topped Baseball Reference’s defensive runs saved leaderboard and placed seventh in FanGraphs’ rankings, the dropoff is stark. That year, the D-Backs’ defense was a linchpin in their respectable 89-73 record. So, sure, defense wasn’t their only trouble in ’25, but it loomed large. Now, with Spring Training knocking at the door, all eyes will be on how this unit tightens up — especially since the pitching rotation seems more reliant on ground balls than strikeouts, putting even more pressure on the fielders to hold down the fort. The big question I keep circling back to: what moves can the D-Backs make to reclaim their defensive prowess and keep runs from piling up?