Sitting 2.5 games back of a Wild Card spot, the Arizona Diamondbacks must stabilize a shaky rotation and boost offensive depth to transform a solid start into a definitive postseason run.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are in striking distance of sneaking into the National League Wild Card, but that doesn't mean they can coast through the second half of the 2026 MLB season.
Here at the All-Star break, the Diamondbacks' 49-47 record has them 2.5 games out of the playoffs. There's obviously no reason to believe they'll win the NL West, especially with them being 11.5 games back.
That said, this team certainly has a lot to love. There are still kinks to be worked out when it comes to the starting rotation, but Arizona has given this fanbase a lot to love through the first half.
It was far from a perfect 96 games, but the Diamondbacks are indeed in the playoff hunt. Should they make a few minor tweaks and become more consistent in the second half, there's no doubt this team should be in the playoffs.
Diamondbacks first half grade: B-
As they should be, Arizona is 27-20 at home and 22-27 on the road. They'd love to win a few more road games in this second half, but they're winning the vast majority of games they should be winning. They still have a -13 run differential. That needs to change, obviously, and it starts with this pitching staff.
Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen haven't been great in 2026, and that's contributed to quite a few of their losses. Those two starting pitchers are a combined 10-17. Eduardo Rodriguez has been unbelievable for this Diamondbacks squad, but there are glaring issues that simply can't continue to happen in the second half.
There's a lot more to love offensively about this team, but Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is hitting just .211 while Adrian Del Castillo is down to .185. These aren't exactly the team's top players, but that doesn't excuse their below average numbers.
Diamondbacks first half highlights
Ketel Marte has been out of this world. His 17 home runs and 54 RBIs lead the team and, to no surprise, he has a team-high 95 hits. The Diamondbacks could make a move or two at the deadline, but the 32-year-old second baseman is expected to veto all trades, and rightfully so.
There's no real reason for the D-backs to be sellers, especially when their lineup consists of quality bats such as Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, Nolan Arenado, Ildemaro Vargas, and Gabriel Moreno.
In the bullpen, Paul Sewald may have a 4.24 ERA, but he's blown just one save this year. Overall, his 0.88 WHIP is incredible and he has 22 of this team's 25 saves.
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