ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

ESPN writer ranks D-backs 28th in future power rankings

Jul 1, 2016, 10:00 AM

Arizona Diamondbacks' Peter O'Brien looks the ball into his glove on a grounder hit by Philadelphia...

Arizona Diamondbacks' Peter O'Brien looks the ball into his glove on a grounder hit by Philadelphia Phillies' Freddy Galvis during the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, June 27, 2016, in Phoenix. The Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks 8-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

According to a recent ESPN power ranking based on MLB teams over the next five years, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ future doesn’t look too bright.

ESPN contributor Dan Szymborski ranked the D-backs 28th based on a number of different aspects.

Arizona paid an inflated price to make its 2016 push and to date, it hasn’t worked out that well. The team now faces a similar crossroads that the Padres faced last year, whether to double down on contention, fold its cards or awkwardly stand in the intersection waiting to get run over.

San Diego chose poorly, but Arizona has yet to choke when forced to make the hard decision, which gives the Snakes a boost over their NL West brethren. But make no mistake, whatever they choose leaves them a hard road with uncertain chances of success — there’s nobody this winter who’s worth giving Zack Greinke money even if Arizona’s willing, and the Diamondbacks already traded their most valuable chip for Shelby Miller.

The ranking focuses on current and future strength, financial support, front office, best projected season, most valuable asset and worst contract on the team. Out of the 30 MLB teams, the D-backs rank 20th in both current strength and financial support, 24th in future strength and the front office ranks 25th. The best projected season for Arizona is this one, but so far in 2016 it is 36-45 and 6.5 games out of the NL Wild Card.

Another issue for the D-backs and their ranking is their contract with outfielder Yasmany Tomas, who in 2014 signed a six-year, $68.5 million deal. He has underwhelmed in a season and a half with Arizona, hitting only 22 home runs with 79 RBI.

There are a few bright spots for Arizona, in Paul Goldschmidt and a few other players, that are on the roster for the next few years. Goldschmidt has been solid this season, batting .298 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI. Jake Lamb has set the pace this year, leading the team with 17 home runs and 55 RBI. The 25 year-old is also batting .288, which is third among the team. Newly-signed Zack Greinke has been able to win in the desert, going 10-3 in 17 starts with a 3.62 ERA and 91 strikeouts.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Ketel Marte to lead off Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day lineup

The Arizona Diamondbacks' Opening Day lineup is set ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.

3 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery throws a pitch...

Tyler Drake

Hall: Diamondbacks’ addition of Jordan Montgomery ‘made a lot of sense’

The Diamondbacks' addition of Jordan Montgomery puts a bow on a rotation that should be in the conversation for the top spot across MLB.

4 hours ago

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable picks: One Diamondbacks young player to watch in 2024

Which Arizona Diamondbacks player should continue an upward trend in 2024? Gabriel Moreno, Brandon Pfaadt and Alek Thomas are possibilities.

5 hours ago

Chase Field flyover...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks’ Hall ‘battling’ to keep Chase Field roof open for Opening Day

The roof at Chase Field continues to be a hot button topic, especially after an exhibition game was rained out on Monday.

6 hours ago

Merrill Kelly throws a pitch...

Alex Weiner

Meet the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2024 Opening Day roster

The Arizona Diamondbacks finalized their 26-man Opening Day roster on Thursday ahead of their matchup against the Rockies.

6 hours ago

Manager Torey Lovullo speaks with Corbin Carroll...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable: Expectations, predictions for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks

What are the expectations for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks? Arizona Sports show hosts and editors make their predictions.

8 hours ago

ESPN writer ranks D-backs 28th in future power rankings