Home / Sports / Arizona's Surprise Stars: 2026 Season Surprises Revealed
Arizona's Surprise Stars: 2026 Season Surprises Revealed
30 Sep
Summary
- Bullpen transformed from weakness to weapon with improved ERAs.
- Eduardo Rodriguez became the ace with 16 wins and a 2.89 ERA.
- Gabriel Moreno won the NL batting title with a .311 average.
The Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 season, though ending without a postseason appearance, yielded significant positive developments. The team's bullpen, previously a major weakness, transformed into a significant weapon, climbing to 16th in baseball with a 4.07 ERA and ranking fourth in impact by Win Probability Added. Veteran lefty Eduardo Rodriguez anchored the rotation, becoming the team's ace with 16 wins and a stellar 2.89 ERA.
Michael Soroka provided exceptional value, posting a 3.41 ERA and nine wins in limited innings, expressing a desire to return. Gabriel Moreno achieved a career year, winning the National League batting title with a .311 average, complemented by Gold Glove defense. Nolan Arenado bounced back significantly, hitting 30 home runs and posting an .806 OPS, while Brandon Pfaadt experienced a dramatic resurgence after a mid-season adjustment, finishing with a career-best 3.77 ERA.
