The Arizona Diamondbacks: A Season of Promise Ends in Heartbreak
As the sun set on the 2023 MLB season, the Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves in a precarious position, needing a sweep from the New York Mets or Atlanta Braves in a pivotal doubleheader to secure a postseason berth. The stakes were high, and the Diamondbacks were poised to become the biggest Mets fans outside of the Tri-State area. However, fate had other plans.
A Dramatic Game 1
The first game of the doubleheader unfolded with all the drama one could hope for. The Mets, fielding a lineup filled with backups, staged a remarkable comeback against the Braves, igniting hope in the hearts of Diamondbacks fans. The excitement was palpable as Arizona watched from afar, clinging to the possibility that their postseason dreams could still be alive. But as the dust settled, the reality set in: the Mets fell short, losing to the Braves 3-0 in Game 2, effectively eliminating the Diamondbacks from playoff contention.
A Stunning Collapse
This turn of events completed a stunning collapse for the Diamondbacks, who, just weeks earlier, were riding high with a record of 75-56 and sitting comfortably in the first Wild Card spot. Their playoff odds were a staggering -1300 at FanDuel during the last week of August, far better than those of the Braves (-335) and Mets (+240). Arizona was not only in contention for the playoffs but was also considered one of the hottest teams in the league, boasting a strong second-half performance with a 40-25 record.
However, as the season drew to a close, the Diamondbacks stumbled at the worst possible moment. They lost five of their final seven games, a disheartening slide that saw them finish with the same record as the Mets and Braves but ultimately miss out on the postseason due to tiebreakers.
Offensive Powerhouse, Yet No Playoffs
Despite their disappointing end, the Diamondbacks showcased an impressive offensive season. They led all of baseball in runs scored (886), RBIs (845), on-base percentage (.337), and batting average (.263). This offensive prowess, however, was not enough to secure a playoff spot. In fact, Arizona became just the fourth team in the Wild Card era to miss the playoffs while leading the league in runs, joining the ranks of the 2011 Red Sox, 2008 Rangers, and 1996 Mariners.
The irony of their offensive success juxtaposed with their postseason absence is a bitter pill for fans to swallow. The Diamondbacks had built a formidable lineup, and their ability to score runs was a testament to their talent and potential. Yet, in the end, it was not enough to overcome the challenges they faced in the final stretch of the season.
Looking Ahead
As the Diamondbacks pack up for a long winter, the organization faces critical decisions about the future. With a roster that has proven its offensive capabilities, the focus will likely shift to bolstering their pitching staff and addressing any weaknesses that contributed to their late-season collapse. The disappointment of missing the playoffs will linger, but it also serves as a catalyst for growth and improvement.
The 2023 season may have ended in heartbreak for the Diamondbacks, but the foundation is there for a potential resurgence. With the right adjustments and a renewed focus, Arizona could very well find themselves back in the playoff hunt in the seasons to come.
About the Author
Ricky Henne writes for the Action Network’s news team, covering all sports, events, and breaking news. He also contributes to Action’s NFL coverage. Ricky joined Action in 2022 with more than 20 years of experience covering professional sports. He has written for the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Knicks, and New York Rangers before entering the sports betting industry.
Follow Ricky Henne on Twitter/X @rickyhenne for more insights and updates.