5 biggest National League threats to Phillies' chances of reaching the World Series

No. 2: Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of the most improved teams this offseason, per MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. They added a ton of players to improve their already talented roster and depth chart. The reigning National League champions have put themselves in an even better position to start the 2024 season by landing big names like Joc Pederson, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Eugenio Suárez, to name a few.

After last season, the Diamondbacks pinpointed the need for another starting pitcher as their biggest priority. Well, they got that in the Rodriguez signing. Bringing the left-hander to Arizona was a great move for all parties involved. Rodríguez is at the top of his game and the perfect addition to the current rotation, which consists of Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt, and Ryne Nelson, all right-handed pitchers. Rodríguez, as a lefty, will add necessary variance within the group.

The Diamondbacks also made sure to resign star outfielder, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to a three-year deal. Gurriel is a very important part of this team, not just on the field but off. He helped the Diamondbacks get to the World Series last year while creating strong relationships and bonds with his teammates, coaches, and fans.

Most recently, Arizona signed Randal Grichuk to a one-year contract. The veteran right-handed hitter will be a productive DH and a perfect pairing with left-handed hitter Joc Pederson. The two of them will duo as designated hitters, ensuring there is always a consistently powerful bat in the DH spot.

The Diamondbacks addressed every facet of the roster this offseason and checked off their to-do list, and they might not be done. This is frightening after what happened last year between the Phillies and Diamondbacks in the NLCS.