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Diamondbacks’ 2019 MLB Win Total Rises from 74.5 to 75.5

Daniel Coyle

by Daniel Coyle in MLB Baseball

Updated Apr 22, 2020 · 12:18 PM PDT

Zack Greinke is expected to anchor the Arizona's starting rotation in 2019. Photo by jnashboulden (flickr) [CC License].
  • Diamondbacks overhauled roster after winning just 82 games in 2018
  • Most notable departure was slugger Paul Goldschmidt, traded to the St. Louis Cardinals
  • Diamondbacks likely to struggle in an improved NL West division

Spring training has been somewhat of a disappointment for the Arizona Diamondbacks. After opening their Grapefruit League schedule with victories in four of six outings, the Diamondbacks have yet to find their groove, losing 11 of 17 contests.

Such struggles are not surprising for a Diamondbacks squad that looked to be embracing the rebuild after parting ways with all-star slugger Paul Goldschmidt in an offseason deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.

But the Diamondbacks have seen a spike in their projected MLB Win Totals as spring training comes to a close. They’ve climbed from 74.5 to 75.5 wins.

Arizona Diamondbacks Projected 2019 Win Total

Arizona Diamondbacks Projected Wins For 2019 MLB Season Odds
Over 75.5 -130
Under 75.5 +100

*Odds taken March 23

Disappointing Campaign leads to Offseason Overhaul

The winter brought major changes to the Diamondbacks lineup after the club finished third in the NL West with an 82-80 record.  Arizona was coming a a 93-win campaign and a trip to the NLDS in 2017.

In addition to the departure of Goldschmidt, Arizona also parted ways with starting pitchers Patrick Corbin and Clay Bucholz, outfielder AJ Pollock, and last season’s closer Bard Boxberger.

The club filled holes with the additions of veteran Adam Jones, Wilmer Flores, and Merrill Kelly, but few observers expect the Diamondbacks to be a serious threat to challenge for a berth in the postseason. They face lengthy +2500 odds of winning the NL West divisional crown.

Fast Start Key to Success

So what has spurred Arizona’s modest improvement of the MLB team wins props? Well, despite the offseason changes, the Diamondbacks still sport some quality in their lineup. At age 34, Zack Greinke remains the Diamondbacks’ ace, and the signing of Eduardo Escobar to a three-year contract extension might be the club’s most significant move of the season.

The signing of Eduardo Escobar to a three-year contract extension might be the club’s most significant move of the season

And while the Diamondbacks are unlikely to keep pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies in the NL West, a fast start could keep them in the NL wild card race into the dog days of summer.

However, early-season success is more likely to add value to the lengthy list of Diamondbacks veterans poised to enter the free agent market at the end of the 2019 season.

Lots Must Happen for Diamondbacks to Remain Competitive

There is no shortage of Diamondbacks players entering the upcoming campaign looking to earn a new contract or atone for disappointing performances a year ago.

Jones arrives in the desert on a one-year deal after taking a step back with the Orioles last season. First baseman Jake Lamb also re-upped on a one-year deal after appearing in just 56 games last year, while outfielder David Peralta earned a one-year extension after connecting on a career-high 30 home runs last season.

The continued development of youngsters like outfielder Ketel Marte, and pitchers Luke Weaver and Merrill Kelly will also be crucial to any success this season. But with so many things needed to go right for Arizona to remain competitive, the real betting value is likely to be found wagering on the Diamondbacks to win under 75.5 games this season, an attractive +100 bet.

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