The Arizona Diamondbacks haven’t made the playoffs since they reached the World Series in 2023, but it’s not star outfielder Corbin Carroll’s fault. The 25-year-old made his second All-Star team in 2025 and slashed .259/.343/.541 with 31 homers, 84 RBIs, and 32 stolen bases over 143 games.
Carroll broke out when he won the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2023. The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder slashed .285/.362/.506 with 25 homers, 76 RBIs, and 54 stolen bases across 143 contests.
Advertisement
In addition to Caroll’s on-field production, one of his best qualities is his availability. The 2025 Silver Slugger has played 150-plus games in two seasons and has never had a long-term injury.
On that note, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo revealed a positive update about Caroll’s hamate bone injury, via The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro.
“I would not be surprised if Corbin is ready by Opening Day,” he said. “That’s my gut feel.”
“This has been the sense for a while, but not sure we’ve heard Lovullo sound this confident about it before,” Piecoro said.
Advertisement
Diamondbacks Have Talent to Bounce Back
Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel MarteRobert Edwards-Imagn Images
(Robert Edwards-Imagn Images)
Carroll’s continued health is vital for Arizona, as he’s the club’s cornerstone player. The former All-MLB honoree will miss the World Baseball Classic as he recovers from the hand surgery he underwent on Feb. 11, per MLB.com. He was selected to play for Team USA, but he broke the hamate bone in his right hand during batting practice on Feb. 10. The typical recovery time after the surgery is four-to-eight weeks, per MLB.com.
Advertisement
The Diamondbacks selected Carroll No. 16 overall in the 2019 MLB Draft, and he’s providing a high return on investment. However, the veteran isn’t their only major piece. Second baseman Ketel Marte was eighth in the big leagues with an .893 OPS last season and tied for 22nd with a .283 batting average. They also acquired third basemanNolan Arenado and starting pitcher Merrill Kelley in addition to re-signing starting pitcher Zac Gallen over the offseason.
Arenado had a down year in 2025, but had a .700-plus OPS each season before that since 2013. Kelly, who Arizona traded to the Texas Rangers midseason, finished 19th in baseball with a 3.52 ERA and 17th with a 1.11 WHIP. Meanwhile, Gallen also had a down year in 2025 but had a sub-4.00 ERA each of the previous three seasons.
The Diamondbacks finished 80-82 last season, but had a winning record as recently as 2024 (89-73). Between their talented roster and recent track record of success, they’re an easy pick as a bounce-back team in 2026 as long as Carroll stays healthy.
Advertisement
Up next for Arizona is a spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday at 3:10 p.m. ET.
Related: Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado Gets Honest on Spring Training Home Run vs. Rockies
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.