2025 Arizona Diamondbacks – Praise given, needs to be earned

The 2025 MLB season is here.

Game one didn’t go as planned for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Zac Gallen gave up four runs in four innings and the snakes fell to the Cubs 10-6.

It’s one of 162. No reason to overreact…

Before the game, Torey Lovullo mentioned that this team has to earn its praise, despite how much attention they’re given and the expectations put on them by many.

On paper this is a 90+ win team.

As the page turns to the following 161 games, here are some questions that need to be answered.

1. Is Zac Gallen a top of the rotation arm? This is a question I posed before tonight’s results. He has the stuff and the mentality, but since the second half of last year, his fastball command has been rough. If yes, this team has plenty of depth. If no, then the “surplus” of elite arms is less than expected. Gallen has plenty of time to regain control of his fastball. That could be the key to a successful year for him and the snakes.
2. Will the bullpen take a leap forward from 2024? The short answer is yes. Justin Martinez, A.J. Puk, and Kevin Ginkel (when he returns from the IL) are an elite back end group. The front end is much improved. Newly Acquired Southpaw Jalen Beeks is a great addition. Drey Jameson will enter the mix once he checks off a few boxes in AAA. He could fit into the backend side of the bullpen. Mike Hazen said he’s most curious to see how this bullpen performs. It should be a strength.
3. How good will the offense be on a consistent basis? Leading the league in runs again is an unrealistic expecation… or is it? Corbin Carroll is primed for a MVP run. Ketel Marte is still on another level. Josh Naylor adds more versatility offensively than Christian Walker. Gabriel Moreno is hitting the ball hard nearly every at bat. All the young players can take leaps forward this year. But will that lead to another great team offense?