This Diamondbacks player could lead them back to the World Series

The Arizona Diamondbacks are currently 67-53 and sit in first place in the National League wild-card race. There are so many teams (including two others from their division) that are fighting for a spot in the postseason that this race may come down to the final stretch.

Up until this point, the Diamondbacks have had an up-and-down season. From the start of the season to June, they had a 41-43 record. However, since the start of July they have turned it up a notch, going 26-10 since then.

One of the reasons why the Diamondbacks have been able to turn their season around is because of Corbin Carroll, who has had a very poor season until lately.

The 2023 All-Star and National League Rookie of the Year had an abysmal start to his sophomore campaign. Before the all-star break (94 games),the youngster was slashing .212/.301/.334 and had only hit five home runs (he hit 25 last season). In 21 games since the All-Star break, however, Carroll is slashing .247/.341/.603, and has hit six home runs, bringing his season total up to 11.

Carroll was one of this teams best players a year ago, and played a critical role in this teams run to the World Series, where the Diamondbacks eventually lost to the Texas Rangers. If the Diamondbacks want to have a similar postseason run as they did in 2023, Carroll will need to continue hitting for a higher average and with more power.

Impact Carroll will have on the Diamondbacks down the stretch

Carroll’s offense and ability to rack up extra-base hits is a cornerstone of his potential influence. His blend of power and speed makes him a dual threat, capable of turning the tide in close games. Carroll’s elite sprint speed (29.5 ft/sec), among the fastest in MLB, not only enhances his base running but also disrupts opposing defenses. His ability to stretch singles into doubles and steal bases puts constant pressure on pitchers, creating opportunities for the rest of the lineup. For a team that has struggled with offensive consistency, Carroll’s dynamic presence offers a much-needed spark.

Defensively, Carroll’s impact is equally significant. His range in the outfield, combined with a strong and accurate arm, helps save crucial runs. Carroll has recorded four Outs Above Average (OAA) this season, ranking him in the 87th percentile. As the Diamondbacks lean heavily on their pitching staff, having a defensive stud like Carroll patrolling the outfield can turn potential extra-base hits into outs, thereby preserving tight leads and keeping the team in close contests.

Carroll isn’t just a talented young player; he’s a game-changer who could be the difference between another year of mediocrity and a return to October baseball for the Diamondbacks. His reemergence as one of the games best young hitters appears to be in progress, and if it continues Arizona could make a serious push for a deep postseason run.