Considering a best bet for the Arizona Diamondbacks 2020 win total

The NL West has been busy this offseason as teams like the Dodgers and Padres have made moves to compete. The Arizona Diamondbacks also did their part, shoring up their rotation and back end of their bullpen. With these moves, they should not only be competitive in what should be a tight divisional race, but also go over their projected win total. Let’s take a look at how their offseason has panned out and what could lie ahead for 2020.

Additions

SP Madison Bumgarner
RP Hector Rondon
RP Junior Guerra
C Stephen Vogt
SS Pat Valaika (waivers)
OF Kole Calhoun

Subtractions

C Alex Avila
2B Wilmer Flores

Offseason news

The biggest splash for the D-Backs came in the form of landing Bumgarner, the Giants’ former ace, signing him to five-year, $85 million contract. While the D-Backs needed to make a move to bolster their rotation, you wouldn’t be wrong in thinking this could be a troublesome move. Bumgarner struggled immensely away from Oracle Park last season, posting a 5.29 ERA, a .349 wOBA and 15 of his 30 home runs. While the jury is still out if Chase Field is a pitchers park or a hitter park since the installation of the humidor, it’s a concern that will likely be answered quickly. Even with his struggles, Bumgarner still exhibits fantastic control with a 203/43 K/BB ratio through 207 ²⁄₃ innings. The D-Backs will also have teams face back-to-back lefties, under the assumption Robbie Ray is second in the rotation.

A couple of moves that will go overlooked but will be key additions were the additions to their bullpen. The D-Backs signed two solid setup men in Guerra and Rondon. They’ll make it easier to get to closer Archie Bradley, who took over the closer’s role for good after the All-Star break after Greg Holland was designated for assignment. Guerra was a key piece of the Brewers bullpen last season while Rondon has closed before, topping 30 saves in 2015 with the Cubs.

Offensively, the D-Backs didn’t lose much aside from Flores and Avila. They were able to replace Avila with Vogt from the Giants, who hit 10 home runs and knocked in 40 with the Giants last season. The majority of his power came on the road, hitting seven of those home runs. He’ll also offer a lefty bat off the bench with righty Carson Kelly expected to take the majority of the starts. They also signed lefty outfielder Calhoun, who is coming off a career-high 33 home runs with the Angels. He’s never played for any other team other than Angels, so getting him in 81 games at Chase Field should be an upgrade offensively. His lefty power should slot well into the heart of their lineup that already includes Ketel Marte, Eduardo Escobar and Christian Walker. All three of those guys hit at least 29 home runs last season, giving the D-Backs a very powerful lineup.

Best bet

Honestly, I don’t understand this at all. The DraftKings Sportsbook has their win total set at 82.5 wins, which is a drop from a team that won 85 games last season. Granted, if Bumgarner struggles as he did on the road for the Giants last season, it could pose as a major issue. However, this is a club that is getting back almost their entire lineup, made some very good additions to the back end of their bullpen and has a good rotation overall. Not only do I think it’s smart to take the over on this team but I would do so all the way up to 83.5. The NL West is once again going to be very competitive, especially with the Padres making some moves as well but I think the D-Backs will be heavily in the mix all throughout the year.

Arizona Diamondbacks over 82.5 wins -130

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details