MLB insider gets brutally honest on Diamondbacks’ NL West odds with Alex Bregman in lineup

The Arizona Diamondbacks emerged as favorites to land free agent Alex Bregman. The "mystery team" in the sweepstakes have surprised everyone with their intent, wanting to commit longer term than other big market clubs for the infielder.

The Diamondbacks looked to be prioritizing their starting pitching early on in the offseason. They signed Michael Soroka to a one-year $7.5 million contract and re-signed the services for Merrill Kelly to a two-year $40 million deal.

Having looked after the rotation, their eyes are focused on their lineup, which will certainly get a boost with Bregman. According to insider Dan Plesac on Wednesday on the MLB Network, the Diamondbacks will certainly become contenders for the National League Division title if they get Bregman.

"The issue for the Diamondbacks is that division is so good, and they have the monster of all monsters in that division with the Dodgers," Plesac said. "It seems like, though, the Padres right now are a little bit on a downside, and the Giants right now want to get better... "Even if they signed Alex Bregman, are they going to win the West? Probably not. But listen, for the Dodgers to three-peat, it's hard to go back-to-back. And if you're the Diamondbacks, I don't think you just want to concede the season right off the get-go and say, "Hey, the Dodgers are going to win it, we're wasting our time.""

The Dodgers have won the division title 12 times in the previous 13 seasons. They have won three World Series in the last six seasons. The Padres have also remained contenders with three Wild Card appearances in the last four seasons. The only time they didn't make it, the Diamondbacks took their spot and reached the World Series in 2023.

Where does Alex Bregman fit in the Diamondbacks' lineup?

Alex Bregman's rumored entry into the lineup has presumably put Ketel Marte as a must-trade piece. Marte who is seto to earn $15 million in 2026, could be leveraged for some pitching depth as ace Corbin Burnes is expected to be out till at least the All-Star break.

Bregman could fill up Marte's spot in the lineup in the No.3 or No.4 hole. Having won a Gold Glove in the hot corner, he will be expected to play there, with Jordan Lawlar, shifting to the middle of the diamond. The 31-year-old's defense could be key to lifting Dbacks who finished 17th in outs above average in 2025.

Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy