introduce
As spring training begins this year, I wrote an article on how the Diamondbacks can improve their defense as they try to get back to the playoffs. This argument focuses on two changes: roster changes/upgrades and the individual progress of several young players becoming increasingly comfortable and confident in their respective positions. This is an issue I’ve been talking about for over a year. In my opinion, great defense not only protects pitchers, but is also the most fun and valuable part of the game because it allows players to showcase their otherworldly athleticism. Now that we’ve crossed the quarter pole into the 2026 season, we have enough data to start teasing out some trends and conclusions about how these changing dynamics have played out so far this season. Overall, depending on your preferred metric, the D-Backs have certainly been better defensively so far, ranking third in the league in defensive runs saved (DRS) and fifth in outs above average (OAA) according to Baseball Reference, while Fangraphs ranks them seventh in defensive runs saved (OAA) — all of which represent significant year-over-year improvements.
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Roster improvements
This dynamic is probably what I’m most confident about, as it feels like a no-brainer to improve two mediocre defenders in Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez with the defensive excellence of Carlos Santana and Nolan Arenado, respectively. Well, you can take this as Exhibit #983 as to why I’m not a baseball general manager. Santana has been functionally less of a factor this season after straining his adductor muscle in early April, while Arenado has ranged from good to mediocre depending on the team. Instead, the team relied on rookies Jose Fernandez and Idmaro Vargas to fill the first base spots, with surprisingly positive results — especially considering it’s not their natural position. Fernandez primarily played shortstop and third base in the minor leagues, initially making just 17 appearances in the minor leagues, but he was able to maintain his first base spot by utilizing the excellent range that made him an exciting shortstop prospect. Vargas, meanwhile, is having a career year by almost every measure, and his glove is no exception, boasting a stellar DRS rating. It should be noted that neither Vargas nor Fernandez was rated well in Fangraph’s version, but we’ll have to save those differences for another time.
personal improvement
Gerardo Perdomo and Gabriel Moreno were once again the team’s defensive highlights as they continue to solidify their star status with their ability. But in my February article, I emphasized that Moreno’s bigger issue was staying healthy and on the field, rather than any type of skills gap. Sadly, he’s struggled with that aspect of his game again and has been out for nearly three weeks – this time due to an oblique strain as well as his string of ailments. Meanwhile, while Perdomo has struggled to return to the MVP-level offensive contributions he displayed last year, he has (mostly) managed to maintain his defensive prowess. This is another case where different ratings fall in very different places. Perdomo is down slightly due to OAA and arm strength, according to Baseball Savant, while Fangraphs shows his grade is up nearly half from last year. Regardless of the specific nuances, both seem to have retained most of their defensive skills to shore up a slow offensive start — and hopefully they can keep that going for the rest of the season.
