PHOENIX — In one month, the Arizona Diamondbacks will begin their defense of the National League pennant.
Pitchers and catchers report for workouts Feb. 14, and the D-Backs' first full squad workout takes place five days later.
Following a winning or losing season, it's normal for baseball fans to look forward to the next one. The Diamondbacks' run to the World Series in 2023 has not only ramped up interest from the fan base, but the players within the organization.
"Going out in public and seeing people excited and everything and still talking about our World Series run, everyone's happy," starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt said. "They're excited for another year, it's right around the corner and we're ready to go."
"I went to an ASU-U of A football game and I couldn't believe how many D-Backs jerseys and hats were worn," Arizona relief pitcher Kevin Ginkel said. "It's not like I hadn't seen people wear hats, but I think the valley is starting to rally a bit and come together. It's exciting. We have some expectations this year but I think we have the team to do it."
The Diamondbacks have been one of the more active teams this offseason, trading for power-hitting third baseman Eugenio Suarez, signing left-handed starter Eduardo Rodriguez (4 years, $80 million) and re-signing outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
That commitment from majority owner Ken Kendrick, general manager Mike Hazen and CEO Derrick Hall to improve the team earned public praise from their star outfielder Corbin Carroll, who signed an 8-year, $111 million extension during Spring Training last year.
"I hope to see Ken and Derrick at some point and say thank you to their faces," Carroll said. "They didn't have to support us the way that they have, and to have that backing and be able to go into this year, in my eyes, even stronger than last year, it says a lot about D-Backs baseball and where it's headed."
The 2024 Spring Training game schedule for the D-Backs begins Feb. 23 against the Colorado Rockies.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes play at Mullett Arena on ASU's Tempe campus.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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