The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 season concluded in disappointing fashion, but the year still delivered some of the unexpected enjoyment that accompanies the long journey through a 162-game schedule.

Arizona missed the postseason for a third consecutive year. Nevertheless, several encouraging developments emerged and deserve consideration during the offseason, including Eduardo Rodríguez establishing himself as the ace of the pitching staff.

Nolan Arenado’s resurgence provided another significant positive.

Before the 2026 season, the Diamondbacks acquired Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Jack Martinez, a 22-year-old right-hander and low-level pitching prospect.

St. Louis also agreed to pay a substantial portion of the money remaining on the former superstar’s contract.

Arenado struggled offensively during the opening weeks of the season. His slow beginning raised questions about whether the decline he experienced over the previous two years would continue in Arizona.

However, the veteran third baseman eventually found his rhythm and began producing at a considerably higher level.

Arenado continued playing strong defense, but his offensive revival became the more surprising development. He hit .255/.331/.475 with an .806 OPS, producing his best numbers since 2022.

The future Hall of Fame third baseman led Arizona with 30 home runs after hitting 28 combined in 259 games during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He also paced the Diamondbacks with 86 RBIs in 152 games.

Arenado’s ability to recover from his difficult start demonstrated that he could still make meaningful adjustments.

Rather than allowing the early struggles to define his season, he gradually improved his timing and rediscovered the impact that once made him one of baseball’s most dangerous run producers.

His defense remained an important part of his value. Arenado brings reliable hands, quick reactions and an advanced understanding of positioning at third base.

His presence can provide confidence for pitchers because they know difficult plays on the left side of the infield have a strong chance of becoming outs.

He also gives Arizona an experienced player who understands the demands of a full season. Arenado has handled pressure, individual expectations and postseason races throughout his career.

That background can benefit younger teammates learning how to prepare consistently and respond when results turn against them.

The Diamondbacks should enter 2027 with realistic expectations. Arenado does not need to carry the lineup alone or recreate the most dominant seasons of his career.

Arizona needs him to continue providing dependable defense, middle-of-the-order power and competitive at-bats.

His age creates some risk, and the Diamondbacks must manage his workload carefully enough to keep him effective throughout the season. Still, his 2026 rebound showed that he has not finished contributing at a high level.

Arenado entered the year as a calculated acquisition and finished it as one of Arizona’s most productive players. Maintaining that form would make him an important part of the Diamondbacks’ attempt to return to the postseason in 2027.