2022
A season of high hopes and young stars that fell just short of the postseason dream.
The 2022 Arizona Diamondbacks season marked a pivotal turning point in the franchise's modern history, representing the culmination of years of patient rebuilding under General Manager Mike Hazen. After finishing with the worst record in Major League Baseball in 2021, the team entered 2022 with high expectations following significant offseason acquisitions and the emergence of young talent. This season is historically significant as it ended a four-year playoff drought for the club, securing their first Wild Card berth since 2017.
- Season Record
- 74-88
- League Standing
- 3rd in NL West
- Playoff Result
- NL Wild Card Game Loss to San Diego Padres
- Key Acquisitions
- Corbin Carroll, Christian Walker, Brandon Pfaadt (Draft/Trade)
- Manager
- Torey Lovullo
Lore & Background
Despite the optimism surrounding the young roster, the season was marred by a lack of pitching depth and bullpen instability, which proved costly in close games. The Diamondbacks found themselves in a tight race for the Wild Card spot until late September, only to see their hopes extinguished when they failed to secure a playoff berth, finishing 10 games behind the division-leading San Diego Padres. This outcome served as a harsh reality check, highlighting that while the foundation was laid, more development was needed to reach the championship level.
In Their Own Story
The Arizona sun beat down on Chase Field as Corbin Carroll rounded third base, his cleats kicking up dust in a blur of blue and orange. The crowd roared, sensing something special in this rookie's stride, but the scoreboard told a different story: another narrow loss that felt like a missed opportunity. In the dugout, Torey Lovullo watched silently, knowing that while the spark was lit, the fire needed to burn hotter before it could truly consume the opposition.
Reader's Guide
The 2022 season began with cautious optimism as the Diamondbacks aimed to bounce back from their historic low in 2021. Early in the year, the team showed flashes of brilliance, particularly when Corbin Carroll took the field for his first major league game, instantly becoming a fan favorite and an All-Star candidate.
However, the season was a rollercoaster of inconsistency. The pitching staff struggled to maintain leads, often blowing late-inning advantages that turned potential wins into losses. Despite these setbacks, the team remained competitive in the National League West, fighting for every game against division rivals like the Dodgers and Padres.
By September, the Diamondbacks were in a fierce battle for the second Wild Card spot, creating an atmosphere of tension and excitement at Chase Field. Unfortunately, a late-season slump prevented them from clinching a playoff berth, ending their 2022 campaign with a record of 74-88.
While they missed the postseason, the season is remembered as a crucial stepping stone. It proved that the young core had the potential to compete at a high level, setting the stage for future success and establishing a new identity for the franchise.
Did You Know?
- Corbin Carroll became the first Diamondbacks rookie since Luis Gonzalez in 1996 to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award (though he won it in 2023, his 2022 performance was the catalyst).
- The team finished just four games out of a Wild Card spot despite losing key players to injury throughout the year.
- Christian Walker hit over 40 home runs in 2022, marking one of the most productive offensive seasons of his career with Arizona.
- Torey Lovullo continued his tenure as manager, guiding the team through a transitional period focused on youth development.