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 reflecting on 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, while Gabriel Moreno produced a breakout year that surpassed expectations.

Moreno’s talent has always been evident when he is on the field, and many expected him to deliver a productive season. What he accomplished in 2026, however, went beyond merely setting personal bests.

Moreno hit .311/.388/.486 with an .874 OPS. Each figure represented a career high for a full season. His .311 average also earned him the first National League batting title in Diamondbacks history.

He added career highs with 33 doubles, 16 home runs and 83 RBIs while appearing in 130 games. Moreno paired that offensive production with Gold Glove defense, allowing him to influence games in every phase.

Moreno became a dependable presence in Arizona’s lineup because his offensive approach was not built around one method of production.

He could make consistent contact, drive the ball into the gaps and deliver power without abandoning the plate discipline that helped him reach base.

That versatility made him difficult for opposing pitchers to attack. Moreno could handle different locations, adjust during an at-bat and avoid becoming overly dependent on favorable counts.

His ability to produce without selling out for power gave the Diamondbacks a hitter capable of sustaining rallies rather than only ending them with one swing.

Moreno managed the constant responsibilities that come with working behind the plate while continuing to produce offensively.

He needed to study opposing lineups, understand the preferences of Arizona’s pitchers and make quick decisions during every game.

Moreno also showed the endurance required to maintain those responsibilities throughout a demanding schedule. Staying on the field allowed his impact to extend beyond brief stretches and helped him establish consistency over a complete season.

Winning a batting title while maintaining Gold Glove defense demonstrated how complete his year became. Moreno did not need to sacrifice one part of his game to improve another.

Arizona missed the postseason again, but Moreno provided a clear reason for optimism. He established himself as someone capable of anchoring the lineup, guiding the pitching staff and setting a daily standard through preparation.

The Diamondbacks entered the season knowing he was talented. They finished it knowing how much responsibility he could carry.