© Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks fans are no strangers to the memorable moments their team can provide, but ESPN doesn’t seem to buy into them this season.
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Arizona Diamondbacks Gabriel Moreno (14) congratulates Corbin Carroll (7) on his 3-run home run against the Detroit Tigers at Chase Field on March 30, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ranked 16th on David Schoenfield’s MLB “Most Watchable Teams” list, Arizona offers flashes of star power but struggles to deliver consistent thrills. Schoenfield’s ranking system emphasizes star power, young talent, baseball fundamentals, and even ballpark atmosphere and uniforms. The Diamondbacks scored 10 out of 15 in star power, thanks to the trio of Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo.
The D-Backs also earned bonus points for their City Connect uniforms, highlighting the growing importance of branding and fan experience.
Mar 28, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) throws to first for an out during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
However, Schoenfield writes that the team struggles in other areas. Young talent scored just two out of 10, while baseball fundamentals received a seven, as Arizona has added veteran defense but continues to struggle with slow starts on offense. Schoenfield also touched on the team’s starting rotation, particularly ace Zac Gallen.
“Zac Gallen has always been one of my favorite pitchers to watch,” Schoenfield writes. “But his best days might be behind him, as well.”
While this is Schoenfield’s perspective, it reflects the current state of the team and the mix of excitement and concern fans have seen this season. High expectations from stars clash with inconsistency, leaving fans between hope and frustration.
Apr 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates with shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) two run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the tenth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
This push and pull adds another underrated layer to Diamondbacks games: watching them is as much about emotion as it is about on-field action. Star power alone can’t compensate for uneven execution, and while Schoenfield suggests the club will produce high-level highlights, it’s unlikely to sustain a pace that makes them consistently “fun.”
At 5-5 to start the season, Arizona has already delivered excitement, including a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers, rookie José Fernández’s two-home-run debut, and Marte’s walk-off win Sunday. But that excitement has come with tough moments, including being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers and suffering a 17-2 defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Braves.
ESPN ranked the Diamondbacks as the 16th most fun team to watch in MLB 👇 pic.twitter.com/P5fN1IDLmu
— Logan🌵 (@phxlogan) April 6, 2026
In an emotional start to the year, the D-Backs are on the path to once again provide big moments in MLB — it’s just a matter of time before fans see how the rest of the season will unfold.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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