Why the Arizona Diamondbacks are MLB’s Most Surprising Team

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The Upstart Diamondbacks

Time will tell if Major League Baseball is experiencing a changing of the guard – the playoffs typically settle that score – but there is no question that some fanbases more accustomed to losing are having a good time in 2023 so far. At the top of the list are the AL West-leading Texas Rangers and NL West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks. Keep in mind that each club is tussling with a regular heavyweight, the Dodgers and Astros.

So, which team has surprised John Gibbons more?

“I have to go with the Diamondbacks. Maybe it’s because they’re out West and I don’t hear about them as much. They’re a good base running team, they pitch well, and they’re very good defensively.”

“Gibby” is also quick to point out that some of their better offseason moves were, incidentally, thanks to the Blue Jays. Both left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and catcher Gabriel Moreno played in Toronto in 2022 before signing with the Diamondbacks in the offseason. Gurriel Jr. in particular is having a terrific campaign, hitting .296, 10 home runs and 39 RBIs. He also holds the second-best slugging percentage in the batting order with .535.

At the time of writing (Wednesday pre-game start times), Arizona holds an 41-26 record and a three-game lead over the L.A Dodgers in the NL West.