What could be the Diamondbacks starting lineup in 2024?

After a tough loss last night against Colorado, the Diamondbacks now sit a full game back of the 3rd wild card spot in the NL.

With just 23 games left in the season, it's due or die time for this young Arizona club.  Thankfully, they have the 19th hardest schedule from here on out.

I know it’s way too early to be thinking about 2024, but it’s fun to imagine how good the D-backs lineup could be next season, praying that everybody has a healthy offseason.

The rotation and bullpen are a little harder to predict, but the lineup doesn’t take too much deep thinking to draw up.

So here it is, my 2024 Diamondbacks opening day lineup…

What could be the Diamondbacks starting lineup in 2024?

I realize that many people will probably have different versions of the 1-9 that Lovullo will throw out there next season.  But here goes nothing…

1. Perdomo SS
2. Marte 2B
3. Carroll LF
4. Walker 1B
5. Soler DH
6. Gurriel Jr. RF
7. Moreno C
8. Lawlar 3B
9. Thomas CF

Well, what do you think?  If you don’t like it allow me to explain.

Diamondbacks SS Geraldo Perdomo should leadoff in 2024

I know Perdomo's performance at the dish has kind of been up and down this season, but at the end of the day, his on-base percentage is still .365.

A .365 OBP puts him in company with a guy named Paul Goldschmidt; ever heard of him?  Perdomo can also run the bases well as his base running value of 1 ranks him in the top 30% in all of baseball.

Another thing is, this kid is only 23 years old, his best years are still ahead of him.  Look at how much he has improved from 2022 to 2023 (.547 OPS  - .753 OPS).  Completely different ball player!

So my verdict stands, Perdomo is the man for the leadoff role.

The Diamondbacks sign Jorge Soler to bolster offense

Don’t get me wrong, Arizona has boasted a solid offense this season (14th in runs scored).  But you know what this offense lacks?  Firepower.

The D-backs rank 20th in HRs and 15th in slugging percentage on the season.  Since the all-star break, only one team has swatted fewer home runs (Giants), and only 4 teams have hit fewer doubles.  

Do you know who could help that problem?  Pending free agent DH Jorge Soler.

Soler is having a monster season at the plate with the Marlins.  Among NL hitters, he is 5th in HRs (35), 10th in slugging percentage (.513), and 13th in OPS (.842).

Taking a stroll down Statcast lane led me to discover that Soler has actually been quite unlucky this season.  Despite his impressive numbers, Baseball Savant shows that Soler’s expected numbers are way better than his actual ones.

His expected slugging percentage is .531, his expected batting average is .250, and out of all MLB hitters, his xwOBA is in the top 8%.

Make this move Hazen, and us D-backs fans will love you forever…

Diamondbacks Alek Thomas should be an everyday starter in 2024

Like Perdomo, Thomas's best years are ahead of him.

Trust me I know, having a guy in the lineup with an OPS of .664 isn’t sexy.  But the reality is, you have to have an elite fielder in your lineup if you want to win a lot of games.

Thomas is exactly that; An elite fielder with elite speed on the base paths.  In all of baseball, only 29 outfielders have a better OAA than Thomas.

Because of his age (23), I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to his numbers at the plate.  I think with some adjustments in the offseason, Thomas could raise that OPS of his to around .750 next season.

Another quick note; I know it’s not much but Thomas also doesn’t strike out a ton for a young and struggling hitter (22.2%).  For Torey, that number should give him hope that with the proper retooling, and the factor of more experience, Thomas could turn things around very quickly.

Oh yeah, one more thing… It’s Lawlar season (smiles evilly)...