Diamondbacks biggest regret involving $105M All-Star isn't actually their worst move

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 26-24 on the 2026 season so far, and while they're 4.5 games back of the NL West lead, they are right in contention for a postseason spot in the Wild Card, only 2.5 games back.

It's not a terrible spot to be in, but that doesn't mean there aren't things the team regrets from the offseason. There will always be some regrets from the offseason, and for the D-Backs, there are a few decisions that stand out.

However, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller identified the decision not to trade away Ketel Marte as the team's biggest mistake from the offseason.

"But after all that winter's meetings scuttlebutt about possibly trading away the six years and $103.5 million left on Ketel Marte's contract," Miller writes, "...the Diamondbacks opted to just let it ride with their three-time All-Star second baseman... Instead, he has been one of their weakest links..."

While the decision not to trade Marte was a bit interesting considering the offers they likely received, this decision to keep him shouldn't be the biggest regret from the offseason for Arizona. There is another position group that's a bigger red flag.

Diamondbacks' biggest regret isn't Ketel Marte, but the starting rotation

With the Diamondbacks opting to bring back both Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, the Diamondbacks haven't been able to get nearly good enough production from their rotation.

Gallen has a 4.78 ERA this season, while Kelly has a 5.71 ERA. While Eduardo Rodriguez and Mike Soroka have been solid, the Diamondbacks should regret bringing back both long-time D-Backs pitchers instead of exploring other options.

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Sure, the D-Backs could've landed a truly incredible return for trading Marte, but his .713 OPS this season after some recent hot streak isn't nearly bad enough for the Diamondbacks to consider their lack of a Marte trade the move they should regret.

The starting rotation plan is a much more regretful decision than the one the team made this past offseason. While Marte might not be at the peak of his value, he easily could get back to a premier trade asset with a strong summer.

But the starting rotation is a huge issue once again for the Diamondbacks, and they'll likely have to explore trade options to become a true postseason contender this year, as they didn't make the right moves over the offseason to address this position.

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