Given a chance at major league history under suboptimal circumstances, Ryan O'Hearn shortened up, rolled a single into right field, took his team-record 10 RBIs and went home.
Four home runs would have to wait for another night after O'Hearn began his night with a grand slam, followed by a three-run homer — and then another three-run homer in a 12-4Pittsburgh Pirates win against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, July 7 at PNC Park.
Yet given a chance to tie a major-league record with his fourth home run, O'Hearn strolled to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning and discovered he'd be attempting the feat against a position player.
Not only that, but Braves infielder Jorge Mateo was a former O'Hearn teammate in Baltimore. So after flailing at Mateo's first pitch, O'Hearn shortened his stroke and sent a little single into right field. Upon reaching first, he nodded at Mateo and grinned.
No history. But still plenty to smile about.
O'Hearn has been the best buy for the Pirates this year, now with 16 homers, 64 RBIs and an .820 OPS. On Tuesday, he victimized Braves starter Hurston Waldrep for a grand slam and three-run homer in the first and third innings, and then popped a third homer off reliever Connor Thomas.
And now, he holds the club record for RBIs for a franchise that began play in 1882. It's the first 10-RBI game in the majors since Shohei Ohtani did it in 2022; slugger Mark Reynolds had the previous feat, in 2018.
The Atlanta Braves traveled to PNC Park in hopes of picking up a much needed win after two heartbreaking losses in a row. Hurston Waldrep made his second start of season for the Braves and Paul Skenes was on the mound hoping to rebound from the worst stretch of his young career.
The Braves got on the board first when Matt Olson hit a double and Mauricio Dubón hit a sharp single to center field to make the score 1-0, but that was the only offense for the Braves outside of a Baldwin walk. Things went south shortly after that. Waldrep hit the first batter he faced, then Lowe, who hit a HR against Waldrep last time they faced off, hit a single. Waldrep then walked Reynolds to load the bases with zero outs. After Valdez struck out, Ryan O’Hearn then wasted no time and blew the game wide open with a grand slam to put the Pirates up by three. Gonzales also singled which prompted a mound visit. Waldrep finally was able to get the final two outs of the first inning after that.
In the second inning, the offense went just as you might expect with the bottom of the order. Riley and Jarvis both struck out, and Yastrzemski flied out. Waldrep looked to have settled down in the bottom of the second. He was able to induce a pop up followed by two groundouts.
The Braves struck again in the third inning to put them within two runs when Harris hit a double followed by an Albies single that scored Harris. That would be the only offense in the third though as Skenes retired the next three hitters. The third inning for Waldrep was almost identical to the first. He walked Reynolds, then gave up a single to Valdez, and then O’Hearn took him deep yet again to make the score 2-7 for the Pirates. O’Hearn had seven RBI in three innings. Waldrep then got two groundouts but then struggled a bit again when he Triolo singled followed by a Davis walk. After yet another mound visit Waldrep got the final out of the third with another groundout.
The fourth inning saw the bottom of the Braves order again. Smith popped out, but Riley was able to get a single, but that momentum was squashed when Yastrzemski hit into a double play to end the top of the inning. Waldrep stayed in the game for the fourth inning. He was able to strike out Lowe but then walked the next two hitters he faced which finally got him pulled for newly promoted Connor Thomas. Waldrep ended his night with seven earned runs on six hits to include two HRs, five walks, and two strikeouts in 3.1 innings pitched. Thomas then forced two groundouts to end the inning.
It looked like the Braves may get something going in the fifth when Jarvis and Harris had back-to-back singles, but then Albies popped out and Olson hit into a double play. Thomas stayed in the game to pitch and retired the side on five pitches.
In the sixth Dubón had a double, but that was the only offense for the Braves. You will never believe this, but in the sixth inning Ryan O’Hearn hit a HR again. This time it was a three-run HR again which gave him his tenth RBI of the game. That is not a type. Ten RBI in a single game that all came from HRs.
Skenes was finally replaced in the seventh inning, but that did not matter because the Braves were sat down in order. The subs came in for the Braves in the bottom of the seventh signaling the white flag. Thomas stayed in the game and gave up yet another run by issuing two singles and a walk in the inning, but he did pick up two strikeouts.
The eighth did not go any better for the Braves. The subs were in and Kyle Farmer grounded out, Matt Olson struck out, and Joey Bart grounded out. Jorge Mateo, obviously a position player, came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth. He walked the first batter he saw, then O’Hearn finally got stopped from hitting a HR, but singled. Gonzales then singled to make the score 2-12. Callihan singled to load the bases but then Mateo was able to get Davis to ground into a double play.
José Azócar was now in the game in the ninth and singled. Dom Smith hit into a fielder’s choice and then Austin Riley had his second hit of the game with a double. Yastrzemski hit a two-run single that brought the Braves’ run total to four. That was it for the game though because Jarvis grounded out and Harris popped out.
There is no sugar coating it. The Braves looked totally defeated. They need an All-Star break real bad. Hopefully they can end the losing streak tomorrow.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 05: Mason Miller #22 and Luis Campusano #12 of the San Diego Padres celebrate after the team's win against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Arizona Diamondbacks (45-45) at San Diego Padres (44-46), July 7, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PST
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Will Warren gave up three home runs and the Yankees bats struck out 17 times in their 6-4 loss to the Rays on Tuesday night.
The Yankees have struck out 34 times in the first two games of the series, a franchise record for a two-game span. The loss undoes Monday's series-opening win as New York (50-41) is back to being 4.0 games behind Tampa Bay for first place in the AL East.
Here are the takeaways...
-After an easy first, Warren pitched into trouble in the second. After allowing a one-out homer to Victor Mesa Jr., which wrapped around the right field foul pole, Warren allowed a single, walk, and a single with two outs, allowing the Rays to take a 2-0 lead.
The Rays would get to Warren again in the fourth. Richie Palacios hit an RBI double before No. 9 hitter Hunter Feduccia slammed a two-run shot to give Tampa a 5-3 lead. Yandy Diaz followed up with a solo shot.
Warren went 4.0 IP (75 pitches/48 strikes), allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three. He allowed three home runs.
-The Yankees bats struggled mightily. But a big moment in the game came in the sixth. After Cody Bellinger hit a one-out single and Max Schuemann went first-to-third on the hit, Bellinger got hung up between first and second for the second out. Jose Caballero struck out to strand the runner at third.
In the seventh, back-to-back singles from Jazz Chisholm Jr. and the pinch-hitting Jasson Dominguez put runners at the corners with no outs. Ali Sanchez pushed across a run with a sac fly. Trent Grisham flew out and Paul Goldschmidt struck out -- after Dominguez reached third on a two-base throwing error on a pickoff attempt -- to end the threat.
-Ben Rice, who announced his participation in this year's Home Run Derby, gave the Yankees the lead in the third with an opposite-field three-run shot. His 26 homers are tied with Junior Caminero for second in the AL. Rice went 3-for-4.
Caballero started at shortstop for the second straight game. Caballero went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts.
-The Yankees bullpen behind Warren kept the team in the game. The combination of Tim Hill, Paul Blackburn and Brent Headrick allowed just one hit and one walk in 4.0 innings pitched.
Game MVP: Ian Seymour
The Rays southpaw's only mistake was the three-run shot to Rice, but Seymour struck out 12 Yankees in his 5.1 innings of work.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 10: A packed, sunny day at AT&T Park is viewed from behind homeplate on July 10, 2013, in San Francisco, California. Special ferry boats transport San Francisco Giants fans directly to AT&T Park during the baseball season. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants continue this three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays tonight from Oracle Park.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Trevor McDonald, who enters tonight’s game with a 4.42 ERA, 3.74 FIP, with 50 strikeouts to 19 walks in 57 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, in which he allowed just one hit with five strikeouts in six innings.
He’ll be facing off against Blue Jays right-handed rookie Spencer Miles, who enters tonight’s game with a 2.83 ERA, 2.98 FIP with 55 strikeouts to 17 walks in 54 innings pitched. His last appearance was in the Blue Jays’ 9-3 win over the New York Mets on Wednesday, in which he allowed just one hit and one walk with five strikeouts in three innings.
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ryan O’Hearn made history on Tuesday night, setting a club record by driving in 10 runs on three homers against Atlanta.
O’Hearn hit a grand slam off Atlanta starter Hurston Waldrep in the first, added a three-run shot off Waldrep in the third and took Braves reliever Connor Thomas deep with another three-run shot in the sixth.
O’Hearn’s big night broke the franchise record of nine RBIs set by Johnny Rizzo against St. Louis on May 30, 1939. The 10 RBIs by O’Hearn — who signed a multi-year free agent deal to join the Pirates in the offseason — also marked the most in the majors by a player this year.
An All-Star last season while splitting time between Baltimore and San Diego, O’Hearn also became the 16th player in Pittsburgh’s 145-year history to hit three homers in a game.
Jul 2, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delvers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Rockies have gone 4-2 in July, are 9-8 in their last 17 and 13-13 in their last 25 since June 9, outscoring opponents 166-147 over that span. Colorado has gone 5-6 in their current 17-day stretch without an off day heading into the All-Star break.
The team’s calling card has become its fashionably late arrival. The Rockies 126 runs in the eighth inning or later are the most in baseball. As a club, Colorado is slashing .295/.363/.487 with 42 doubles, four triples and 27 home runs in the eighth inning or later. They also have the highest average, most extra-base hits and second-most homers in the Majors in the eighth or later in the Majors.
As for the bullpen, it has not allowed an earned run in five-straight games, with the total streak running to 22.1 innings since the eighth inning of their game against the Marlins on July 1. Their 22.1 innings streak without an earned run allowed is the second longest streak in franchise history, trailing a 34.2 inning stretch in 2013. This month, have allowed four runs total (one earned) across 24.1 innings.
Starting for the Rockies is California native Michael Lorenzen. This will be his 20th start for the Rockies in 2026. He has thrown at least five innings in four of his last five starts, posting a 4.26 ERA (25.1 IP, 12 ER) with 10 walks and 19 strikeouts across that span. In addition, Lorenzen has struck out at least five batters in four of his last six starts overall.
The righty has a 6.91 ERA in 86.0 IP. He’s struck out 67, walked 32, and given up 13 home runs. Lorenzen has a 1.81 WHIP.
Taking the mound for the Dodgers will be LHP Justin Wrobleski.
One of his calling cards as a Dodger is his ability to work deep into games, a quality they will be hoping is evident tonight given that the Dodgers had to go deep into their bullpen in Game I due to Tanner Scott’s blown save.
In his last two starts, Wrobleski has gone seven-inning starts, and if he can manager one tonight, he will reach 100 innings on the season.
Currently, he has an ERA of 2.80 in 93.1 IP. He’s struck out 64 while giving up 18 walks and eight home runs with a 1.01 WHIP.
SAN DIEGO, CA - APRIL 09: Aerial views of Petco Park in downtown San Diego during the San Diego Padres game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Petco Park in San Diego, CA. The Dodgers won 2-4 and 0-4. (Photo by Andy Hayt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
DIAMONDBACKS
PADRES
Ketel Marte – 2B
Fernando Tatis – RF
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Jackson Merrill – CF
Corbin Carroll – RF
Xander Bogaerts – SS
Gabriel Moreno – DH
Manny Machado – 3B
Max Kepler – LF
Gavin Sheets – DH
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Jake Cronenworth – 1B
Pavin Smith – 1B
Luis Campusano – C
James McCann – C
Samad Taylor – LF
Tim Tawa – CF
Sung-Mun Song – 2B
Zac Gallen – RHP
Jhony Brito – RHP
Let’s see if the D-backs can continue the Padres’ free-fall. On May 18, they beat the Dodgers 1-0, Michael King and two relievers combining on five-hitter. Consequently, the Padres took over first place in the division, with a record of 29-18. It looked possible that we could see a battle for the NL West, the likes of which haven’t happened since 2021, when LA won 106 games, and it still wasn’t enough. Except, since then, the two teams have gone in sharply different directions. The Dodgers have won at a better than .700 rate, going 31-15, while the Padres have been the worst team in baseball, going 15-28, and with the worst run differential over that time to boot.
Consequently, the Dodgers now have a 14-game lead in the division. That’s twice what it was on the same date last season, and the largest on this date since the pre-COVID times in 2019. The division is basically over. Fangraphs gives Los Angeles a 99.9% chance of winning the division, and that may be underselling them. But what happened to the Padres? Their rotation has fallen off a cliff. Over those 43 games, the Padres’ starters have won just seven times – tied for fewest in the majors – with an ERA of 5.29 which ranks 27th in the league. Their offense hasn’t been much better, a .679 OPS ranked 28th (albeit five points better than Arizona!).
It’s certainly not what you’d want given a cash payroll north of $230 million, which is $46 million more than the D-backs. But since San Diego really started spending, entering the top ten in 2020 (where they’ve been every season since, bar 2024), they have finished an average of fourteen games back, and have a losing post-season record at 13-15. If that continues, one wonders how much patience the team’s new owners will have with GM A.J. Preller. He has been in the position since 2014 – longer than anyone save the Yankees’ Brian Cashman – but the team has only made it past the Division Series once in that time.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - JULY 14: Cam Smith is announced as the first round draft pick for the Chicago Cubs at the 2024 MLB Draft at Cowtown Coliseum on July 14, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s another night here at BCB After Dark: the grooviest hole-in-the-wall for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. Come on in out of the heat. The dress code is casual. We’re always glad to see you. We’ve still got a few tables available. Enjoy a cool drink. Bring your own beverage.
BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.
Last night, I asked you what was the best first-round pick in Cubs history. There was a clear winner in Kris Bryant, who got 53 percent of the vote. That makes sense as he was tied for the second-lowest pick in Cubs history as the second overall pick in the draft. Shawon Dunston was the only first overall pick in Cubs history and Mark Prior and Joe Carter were also second picks in the Draft. Also some guy named Terry Hughes in 1967.
On Tuesday nights I don’t do movie stuff, but I always have time for jazz. Now is that time.
Tonight we’re featuring Grammy Award-winning vocalist Samara Joy singing “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most” in New York on June 28 of this year.
Welcome back to those who skip the music.
As we approach this Saturday’s MLB Draft, I thought I’d ask you who you think the Cubs should select in the first round with the 23rd pick. Of course, I can’t promise any of these players will be available at 23, but all of them are ranked between the 25th- and 37th-best draft prospect by Baseball America and between 17th- and 40th-best by MLB Pipeline. All of them are college players, because the Cubs only very rarely take a high school draft prospect in the first round.
Those lists, of course, do not match the lists that the Cubs or any other team have drawn up in their draft room. Some of these players also have “helium,” meaning that either BA or Pipeline thinks they’re higher on some draft boards today than when these lists were first published. So don’t take any “rankings” as gospel.
All of these players probably won’t be available at 23, but at least one of them should be and likely more than one.
Additionally, when a team’s first pick is at 23, they aren’t going to get a player who doesn’t have flaws or question marks. Any high-ceiling, low-risk player will be taken in the first five picks. So what I’m asking is what kinds of flaw are you willing to accept? How much risk will you take on?
Because I don’t think that most of you are familiar with these players and to keep the players anonymous. However, I’m guessing that those of you who follow the college game will be able to guess who they are in the comments.
So here are the choices:
Player one is a left-handed pitcher from a Big Ten school. After two years of both starting and relieving, he had a breakout season as a starter his junior season. His best pitch is his nasty curveball but he also has an above-average change. He’s not a high-velocity pitcher with his fastball topping out at 93. He’s a pitchability lefty who could move to the majors quickly. He also has a clean injury history.
Player two is a tall hard-throwing, lefty at an SEC school. He missed almost all of his freshman and sophomore seasons with a stress fracture in his elbow. He returned his junior season and dominated with one of the highest strikeout rates in college ball. His fastball averages 95 mph can touch 98, but his best pitch is a hard, power slider. He has an OK curve but he needs to work on his change. Player two has a high upside, but a lot of injury risk and bullpen downside.
Player three is an ACC outfielder with some terrific contact and hard-hit rates. He makes good decisions at the plate, leading to fewer strikeouts and lots of walks. He’s also a very good athlete with plus speed and lots of stolen bases. Despite that, his arm is weak and is likely to end up in left field, where he played in college, although center field is a possibility. While he is big enough and strong enough to hit for power, his current swing path doesn’t get much lift on the ball, so his power potential could be quite limited. Player three could move up the system quickly, as long as the Cubs don’t try to adjust his swing for more power.
Player four is an SEC catcher. He was a monster at the plate, winning the SEC triple crown. He has easy power to all fields. Player four also has good speed, not just for a catcher, but good speed overall. He was the first Division I catcher to ever have 25 home runs and 25 steals in a season. The downside on player four is that there is an above-average amount of swing-and-miss in his game and that weakness could be exploited by better pitching. Player four also struggled in the wooden-bat Cape Cod League. He only moved behind the plate full-time his junior year, so he’s still quite raw and inexperienced back there. Many doubt that he can stay behind the plate as a pro, although most think he can play left field in that scenario. Leaving him at catcher would likely mean a slower trip through the minors.
So knowing what you know, if these were the Cubs’ four options at 23, which one would you take?
Thanks a lot for stopping by tonight. Please get home safely. Call a ride if you need one. Please stay cool out there. Recycle any cans and bottles. Tip your waitstaff. And join us again tomorrow evening for more BCB After Dark.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 01, 2026: Joey Cantillo #54 and Austin Hedges #27 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrate as they walk off the field during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field on July 01, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: Braxton Ashcraft #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Paul Skenes #30 after pitching against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park on July 4, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It took a few days longer than it should have, but Braxton Ashcraft is an All-Star.
The Pirates’ best starting pitcher in 2026, Ashcraft has burst onto the scene in his first full year as a major leaguer.
In 18 starts, Ashcraft owns a 3.24 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 122 strikeouts in 108.1 innings.
Ashcraft originally wasn’t voted to the National League All-Star roster, but was named as a replacement for Paul Skenes.
Skenes was the only Pirate initially selected to the Mid-Summer Classic on the other side of the state in Philadelphia.
Ashcraft, 26, owns a 10.14 K/9 and has been one of the biggest surprises of any NL pitcher.
The strong right-hander is fourth in the National League in strikeouts (122), fourth in innings (108.1), 11th in ERA (3.24), and tied for ninth in wins (9-3).
The Pirates are 12-6 in games that Ashcraft starts.
Ashcraft owns two starts this season with 10 or more strikeouts and not allowing a free pass.
He’s allowed two or fewer runs in 14 of his 18 starts. In the midst of an unstable rotation, Ashcraft has been the anchor that Pittsburgh has relied on.
The 2026 MLB All-Star Game will commence on Tuesday, July 14, at 8 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MAY 31: Hunter Dobbins #40 of the St. Louis Cardinals pithes against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium on May 31, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals will play game 2 of their day/night doubleheader Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers with Hunter Dobbins getting the start for the birds. The Brew Crew will assign night pitching duties to Robert Gasser who’s 1-3 with a 4.54 ERA. First pitch scheduled for 6:45pm central time with the game broadcast available again on Cardinals.tv.
May 27, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob Degrom (48) comes off the field after he pitches against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Ben Rice and his father have dreamed and talked about it since he was a little kid. On Monday night, it happens for real, on a big league field with his dad on the mound.
The Yankees’ young slugger is in the Home Run Derby and Dan Rice, his father, is coming to throw to him. The elder Rice pitched at Brown in the 1980s and has never really stopped tossing to his son since he was able to hold a bat. On Monday, July 13, it'll just be at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia in front of the whole country instead of in their backyard.
“That was always a lifelong dream of both of ours,” Rice said Tuesday, June 7 before New York took on the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. “So I am really looking forward to it.”
Rice, 27, is a first-time All-Star and a first-time entrant in the derby. He has the credentials, as he has grown into the bat that has kept the Yankees' lineup afloat while Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are hurt.
That he is the one everyone expected to step up and fill in for Judge and Stanton is an almost dream in and of itself.
The Yankees took him in the 12th round of the 2021 draft, the 363rd pick overall out of Dartmouth. He didn't care about pedigree and crashed the big leagues as a rookie in July 2024 with a three-homer game against the Red Sox, the first Yankees rookie to ever do that. A breakout 2025 followed, and this season, the left-handed hitting first baseman and designated hitter has become one of the most productive bats in the American League.
Going into Tuesday night's game, Rice was hitting .267 with 25 homers, tied for the fifth-most in the majors and third in the American League.
A Yankee has not won the Derby since Judge in 2017 in Miami. Before him, Tino Martinez, Jason Giambi and Robinson Cano took the title. Jazz Chisholm Jr. entered last year but went out in the first round with three home runs.
The blueprint Rice is following worked a year ago. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh won the 2025 Derby in Atlanta with his father pitching to him and his younger brother behind the plate, becoming the first catcher to win it. The man Raleigh beat in the final, Rays slugger Junior Caminero, is the only other hitter so far committed to the field in Philadelphia next week.
MLB reworked the format for this year, moving away from the timed rounds players griped were too tiring. There are now 20 swings in round one, 15 in round two and 15 in the final.
Rice likes the change not only for his own sake, but for his dad's.
“It also takes some pressure off the BP thrower, because I have to swing at every pitch," he said. "Overall it’s a positive change.”
He has done a version of this before. In his summer college league in 2020, tie games were settled with a home run swing-off.
“I did that three times that year,” Rice said.
He won all three.
That’s about as much preparation Rice is taking into this.
“I haven’t really thought about strategy,” Rice said. “I just kind of want to enjoy it. Have fun taking BP with my dad at a big league field, in front of a bunch of people. It should be cool.”
That experience with his dad was why Rice said yes to this opportunity. It's a chance to share what has been a Cinderella-like big league career with the man that got him started.
His dad’s stuff, by the son’s scouting report, is not quite what it was. Dan Rice had a good curveball “back in the day,” his son said. The family is already reminding him not to throw any breaking balls in the derby and just groove them in for his son.
“He always throws to me in the offseason, still,” Rice said. “So his lifetime pitch count is through the roof at this point. We’ll keep adding to that total on Monday.”
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 11: L-R) Merrill Kelly #29, Scott McGough #30 and Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks wait to be introduced prior to Game 3 of the Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Diamondbacks fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
We are now less than a month out from the trade deadline, and the D-backs still find themselves in an awkward position on the edge of the wild-card race. They are neither so far out of it that selling is the only sensible option, nor are they right in the heart of things, where adding pieces would clearly make sense. There are certainly no shortage of obvious ways in which the team could be improved, and that’s what this week’s survey is about. I’m highlighting five particular areas, though two of these are different sides of the same count. I still reckon they are each worth considering separately.
Zac Gallen’s rotation spot
It’s interesting to recall that the D-backs actually made Gallen a qualifying offer last winter. He rejected it, failed to find a buyer in free agency, then came back to Arizona for the same price, with a significant deferral. To be blunt, the D-backs shouldn’t have bothered. Zac’s -1.6 bWAR is the worst of any pitcher in baseball this year, a combination of his bloated ERA (6.36 going into tonight’s start against the Padres) and high usage. Starters with ERAs that high, typically don’t stick around in rotations. His strikeout rate has cratered to just five and a half per nine innings, leaving Zac currently dead-last among qualified starters. Is he fixable?
Merrill Kelly’s rotation spot
On the one hand, Kelly hasn’t been as bad. His ERA of 5.71 is two-thirds of a run below Gallen, and he has shown flashes of his old self. A complete game in Coors Field is no mean feat, certainly. On the other hand, Merrill’s peripherals are worse than Zac’s, with a similar K/9 (5.50), but higher walk and HR rates. Consequently, his FIP is two-thirds of a run higher and his xERA (based on contact quality) is a monstrous 7.80, almost a run and a half worse. Kelly is also under contract for 2027 as well (providing there is a season), and turns 38 in mid-October. If he has hit the aging well, next year could be even more disastrous than this one.
First base
It has been well-recorded that this position has reached historical levels of suck for the 2026 Diamondbacks. First base has posted this line for Arizona, across 359 plate appearances: .214/.256/.310 for an OPS of just .565. That’s sixty-seven points of OPS below any other team in the majors this year. Indeed, it’s the lowest OPS from the position in the last hundred years. The only sides below Arizona in the live-ball era both played in the 1920 season. Nobody has been able to produce there for the Diamondbacks. Ildemaro Vargas’s .633 OPS is the best of anyone with more than a handful of PA at 1B, and he stopped hitting after April.
Designated hitter
Some slack can perhaps be given to first base, since defense is a part of the equation there. The same cannot be said for the DH spot, which is literally all about the offense. It’s in the damn name, f’heavens sake. But Arizona’s DHs are hitting not much better than their 1Bs: .218/.294/.317 for a .611 OPS. Of the five players to have 25+ PA at the spot, everyone bar Ketel Marte has an OPS of .531 or lower. The entire position has hit just five home-runs for Arizona over 331 at-bats – no team in the majors has fewer homers by its designated hitters. Frankly, I’d almost rather see our pitchers try to hit, the results have been that feeble.
Center field
This one seems to have slid through the cracks a bit. But as at first-base, the D-backs rank dead last in the majors by OPS at the spot. Arizona’s CFs are batting below the Uecker Line at .198, the three (3) home-runs aren’t helping, and a K:BB ratio of 90:21 also factors into the .574 OPS. If not as “once in a century” historically bad as first – you only have to go back two years to find the Cardinals getting a .570 OPS from the center fielders – it’s an area where the team has clearly struggled. The youth movement Arizona has tried there, with almost every game this season started by someone no older then 25, is clearly not a success to the current point.
So, there’s your options. But if you had a One Wish Willow, and could address just a single of the above issues, which one would you consider the biggest? That’s what the poll below is for, and as ever, explain your choice in the comments for a shot at inclusion in the results post on Saturday!
