The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 season ended in disappointment, but the year still provided some of the unexpected joys that accompany a 162-game marathon.

Arizona remained home during the postseason for a third consecutive year. Even so, the team produced several encouraging developments worth examining during the offseason, including Eduardo Rodríguez’s emergence as the ace of the pitching staff.

Anyone who follows an entire 162-game schedule understands that baseball is unpredictable. That uncertainty is part of MLB’s appeal, and the Diamondbacks experienced several positive surprises during an 86-76 regular season.

Michael Soroka proved dependable whenever he was available, Gabriel Moreno produced a breakout year that surpassed expectations and Nolan Arenado delivered more than Arizona anticipated when it acquired him.

The Diamondbacks traded 22-year-old right-hander Jack Martinez, a low-level pitching prospect, to the St. Louis Cardinals for Arenado before the 2026 season. St. Louis also agreed to cover much of the money owed to the former superstar.

Arenado did not hit well during the opening weeks of the season. However, he eventually found his rhythm and began producing at a much higher level than he had over the previous two years.

The future Hall of Fame third baseman continued playing strong defense, but his offensive resurgence became the greater surprise. Arenado hit .255/.331/.475 with an .806 OPS, recording his best numbers since 2022.

He led Arizona with 30 home runs after hitting 28 combined during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Arenado also finished first on the Diamondbacks with 86 RBIs in 152 games.

Arenado may no longer be the superstar he was during his prime, but he became an extremely valuable player for Arizona at a cost of only $5 million. He also remains under contract for the 2027 season.

His difficult opening weeks made the turnaround more meaningful. Arenado did not allow a slow start to define his season or force him away from the approach that had made him one of baseball’s most accomplished third basemen.

He adjusted, regained his timing and rediscovered the ability to drive pitches with authority. That response demonstrated why experienced hitters can remain dangerous even after their peak years have passed.

Arenado also gave Arizona dependable defense at a demanding position. His preparation, reactions and understanding of the position allowed him to continue influencing games even before his offense improved.

The Diamondbacks did not need him to recreate the most dominant seasons of his career. They needed steady defense, productive at-bats and someone capable of driving in runners from the middle of the lineup.

Arenado provided all three after settling into his new surroundings.

His contract further increased his importance. With St. Louis covering much of the financial commitment, Arizona received considerable production without sacrificing significant payroll flexibility or a premier prospect.

Arenado will enter 2027 with an established role and a year of experience in Arizona. His first season showed that he can still adjust, defend and provide the power the Diamondbacks expected when they made the trade.