2025 was poised to be the comeback year for the Arizona Diamondbacks. They finished the 2024 season with a record of 89–73, placing third in the National League West. However, they were eliminated from postseason contention after splitting a doubleheader with the Braves and Mets. D-Backs losing out last year was more of a hard-luck thing rather than their on-field performance. For reference, the Diamondbacks’ 2024 team OPS was .777, which was second only to the Dodgers. While their 2024 performance was commendable enough, the D-Backs’ proactiveness this offseason just solidified their stance for the upcoming season. Remember the signing of Corbin Burnes?

However, the Diamondbacks’ pitching performance was not as strong as their batting performance. The Diamondbacks’ 2024 season ERA was 4.63, which was 27th in the league. As per the ESPN insider Jim Bowden, the Diamondbacks are one of the 6 teams expected to make it big this year. While their team lineup also indicated the same, the most common epidemic in baseball came back to haunt them. What happened, you wonder?

Tommy John surgery! Reportedly, the Diamondbacks’ two relief pitchers, Thyago Vieira and Josh Winder, will both undergo Tommy John surgery soon. As per the team manager, Torey Lovullo, both Vieira and Winder are not expected to make it to the field before 2026. Well, a good chance to make a strong comeback this year is on the verge of collapse, or have the tides turned already?

While both these pitchers are not slated to start the innings for the Diamondbacks, the news did affect their bullpen a bit. Since two players went for a toss even before the regular season started, there will be concerns about what is awaiting the Diamondbacks in the long and grueling season ahead. While the D-Backs were expected to make a splash this year, will this be possible now after losing their two relief pitchers? What options lie ahead for the team going forward?

Probable options for the Arizona Diamondbacks

Going by the 2025 lineup of the Arizona Diamondbacks and their depth, it seems they might be able to overcome the impact of losing two relief pitchers. Neither guy was expected to be a huge piece of their bullpen this season because of their not-so-extraordinary form. For the unversed, Vieira recorded a 2.87 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 11 games played for the Diamondbacks. On the other hand, Winder made 4 appearances for the Twins in 2024, posting a 3.00 ERA with 10 SOs across 9 innings. Not a huge loss for the D-Backs here.

However, considering how their pitching performance was poor last year, a better equipped roster is always welcome – that surely got affected here. They still have a few quality relief pitchers in Jordan Montgomery, Ryne Nelson and Shelby Miller. Montgomery is coming with 6.23 ERA from the last year and is a better value addition for the team. It is more on the D-Backs’ starting pitchers to improve this year, and hopefully, losing out on two relief pitchers might not have a major impact on their on-field performance. 

Last year, the Diamondbacks were just one step behind making history. This time, they are expected to start from their end line last year and complete the story. What do you think about the D-Backs’ potential this year? Share your thoughts with us below.