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Diamondbacks' Stars Underperform, Need Bounce-Back in 2027
9 Oct
Summary
- Merrill Kelly posted a career-worst 4.94 ERA in 2026.
- Ketel Marte's 2026 offensive numbers were his worst since 2022.
- Geraldo Perdomo's clutch hitting drastically declined in 2026.
The Arizona Diamondbacks concluded their 2026 season with an 86-76 record, falling short of postseason aspirations despite a winning record. Several key players who are under contract for 2027 are expected to deliver bounce-back performances.
Starting pitcher Merrill Kelly experienced a difficult 2026, posting a career-worst 4.94 ERA over 29 starts. After beginning the year on the injured list, he struggled to regain his usual command and consistency, with only July showing a return to form.
Infielder Ketel Marte, while providing strong defense, saw his offensive numbers decline in 2026. His .249 batting average and .748 OPS were among his lowest since 2022, despite hitting 22 home runs. He also faced off-field issues.
Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo's performance also dipped, particularly in situational hitting. While his defense remained strong, his batting average with runners in scoring position fell to .186 in 2026, a significant drop from his previous success and career average.
