Arizona

Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 Season Review: The Offseason

Published

1 year ago

October 3, 2024

Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 Season Review: The Offseason

The Arizona Diamondbacks went into the 2023-2024 offseason coming off a wildly successful Postseason run. After squeaking into the playoffs with an 84-78 record to capture the third NL Wild Card, they went all the way to the World Series before bowing out in five games to the Texas Rangers.

General Manager Mike Hazen and his baseball operations set about the task of trying to improve the roster even further, looking to insure a trip back to the playoffs once again in 2024.

Speaking at the end of the 2023 season, Hazen outlined his offseason plan. Starting pitching was at the very top of the list. Short a fourth starter option, the D-backs had infamously thrown bullpen games twice in the Postseason, once in the NLCS and once in the World Series.

The next priority was a right-hand bat, for both outfield and designated hitter. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. became a free agent, as did key mid-season acquisition Tommy Pham. Hazen would later add left-hand DH to that wish list as well.

Third base was also a priority. Evan Longoria was not brought back, and ultimately retired. None of the team’s prospects were ready to take over the hot corner, and the team needed stability. Finally, just like every season, adding to the bullpen was on the list.

At the same time principal owner Ken Kendrick pledged to increase payroll as a result of the added revenue from the Postseason run and anticipated increases in season ticket sales projections. The team ultimately blew past the projection of $140 million I projected in this article.

The first big move came November 22. Hazen brought in third basemen Eugenio Suarez from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for relief prospect Carlos Vargas and catcher Seby Zavala. Suarez had one year left on his contract for $11.3 million, with a team option for $15 million for 2025 or a $3 million buyout.

While Suarez was coming off somewhat of a down season, batting .232 and leading the league in strikeouts, he still hit 22 homers and drove in 96 runs. The 32 year old had been a durable player and a constant power source throughout his career. Suarez hit 246 career homers and averaged 153 games played between 2016-2023.

On December 8, just as the winter meetings wrapped up, the D-backs made their big splash in free agency. Left-hand pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez was signed to a four year, $80 million dollar contract. Hazen and manager Torey Lovullo knew Rodriguez well from their days in Boston

A veteran of eight seasons at the time, the then 31 year old Rodriguez had a career 82-53 record with a 4.03 ERA. He’d battled a long list of various injuries over the years, but never shoulder or elbow. He was coming off one of his best seasons in 2023, going 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA in 153 innings.

The next big move came on December 22. Fan favorite Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was brought back on a three year, $42 million dollar contract. He was coming off a solid year with the D-backs. He played in 145 games, hitting .261/.309/.463, .777 OPS, or 107 OPS+. That came with 24 homers, 82 RBI, and surprisingly, +14 defensive runs saved.

Moving down his list of things to do, Hazen then beefed up the DH position. Left-hand batter Joc Pederson was signed on January 30 to a one year, $9.5 million dollar contract. That included a $14 million mutual option for 2025 or a $3 million dollar buyout.

Pederson was a 31 year old veteran of 10 seasons with 186 career homers and a .800 OPS, or 116 OPS+. He came with an extensive Postseason track record as well. No longer able to play a league average defense, and never much of a hitter against left-hand pitching, Pederson was brought in to face righties, against whom he’d always hit well.

Then, just as spring training opened, right hand batter Randal Grichuk was signed on February 17 to a one year $1.5 million contract. There was a $6 million dollar mutual option with a $500 K buyout.

Grichuk was another 31 year old, 10 year veteran. He had a strong reputation for hitting left-hand pitching and had smacked 191 career homers with a .762 OPS, or 102 OPS+

With the combination of Pederson and Grichuk to man the DH spot, the addition of Suarez, and the return of Gurriel, Hazen had stunningly overhauled his offense, pivoting from speed to power. All while adding a veteran starter to solidify the rotation.

Along the way Hazen also added back up catcher Tucker Barnhart, and relievers such as Logan Allen, and Brandon Hughes. But the big addition to the bullpen never materialized.

Finally, just before the regular season opened, the shocking news that the Diamondbacks had signed left-handed free agent Jordan Montgomery broke. The deal was finalized on March 29, one game into the start of the regular season.

The 30 year old Montgomery was one of the “Boras four” , a group of free agents that were looking for long term deals, but failed to get one. He was coming off his third straight season of 30 or more starts, and had posted a career best 3.20 ERA. Montgomery starred for the Texas Rangers in the Postseason, helping them to a World Series title.

Unknown at the time, owner Kendrick went to Hazen and the baseball operations group, and suggested the team try to sign Montgomery. This despite having already passed the franchise record payroll prior to that point.

Hazen agreed, and Montgomery was brought in on a one year, $25 million dollar contract with player vesting options for 2025 that could be worth between $20-25 million depending on the number of starts.

Having missed all of spring training, Montgomery would go to Triple-A Reno to make several starts before making his season debut on April 19.

With that, the D-backs had pulled off what appeared to be a major coup, at least on paper. They added two veteran starting pitchers and four veteran position players to solidify their rotation, lineup, and clubhouse.

The owner was true to his word, as the team blew past previous franchise payroll highs by over $30 million dollars.

The team went into the 2024 season with the entire industry singing their praises for being agressive and capitalizing on their financial windfall from their playoff run. Adding this mix of veterans to the strong young core the team already possessed put the team in a great position to contend for a World Series yet again.

Next Up: Spring Training 2024

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Arizona

Here’s how to give public comment on future Colorado River plans

Published

12 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Here’s how to give public comment on future Colorado River plans

PHOENIX — After years of negotiations, Arizona still doesn’t know what its long-term water future will look like, and now the federal government is preparing to step in.

States across the Colorado River Basin have failed to reach a deal on how to share the shrinking river after current operating rules expire in 2026. With no state-led agreement in place, federal officials are moving forward with their own plan, one that could bring steep cuts to Arizona’s water supply.

And for Arizonans, the clock is ticking to weigh in. Public comment remains open until March 2. To submit your comment on what the government should do, send your comments in email to crbpost2026@usbr.gov.

Additional information is available online. The project website can be accessed here, along with links to YouTube videos published by the government, recorded in January and February which walk through of the options available.

Many Arizona leaders have already offered their public comments, which are overwhelmingly negative.

“We were very disappointed with that document,” said Brenda Burman, the Central Arizona Project General Manager “If any of those alternatives were implemented, it would be very difficult, and perhaps devastating for Arizona.”

Arizona’s top Colorado River negotiator, Tom Buschatzke, echoed those concerns.

“None of those alternatives are very good for the state of Arizona,” Buschatzke said. “I’m not seeing how we’re going to break that stalemate.”

Congressman Juan Ciscomani also criticized the proposals, saying the impacts of Colorado River cuts extends into Pinal, and Pima counties.

“That’s not an acceptable solution for us,” Ciscomani said. “We want to play ball, but we want to make sure everyone across the board uses less and becomes more efficient.”

Some of the federal alternatives would reduce Arizona’s Colorado River supply by 40%, 50%, or in the most extreme case up to 70%.

Experts at ASU Kyl Center for Water Policy say part of the problem lies upstream.

“The reason for this current impasse is because the upper basin states have refused to take cuts in their Colorado River use,” said Sarah Porter, the center’s director.

Upper Basin states like Colorado and Utah rely on different water rules than Arizona and other Lower Basin states, complicating negotiations that have dragged on for years.

Arizona has already been living with cuts for several years. Since 2021, the state has faced an 18% reduction in Colorado River water deliveries due to a Tier 1 shortage declaration. Most of those cuts have fallen on Central Arizona Project users, including agriculture and some tribal communities.

Buschatzke argues that pushing Arizona into deeper reductions would violate long-standing Western water law.

“We will be protecting the state of Arizona,” he said. “And if that has to be litigation, it will be litigation.”

That means a lawsuit against the federal government, or upper basin states is now a real possibility if the final plan moves forward unchanged. The state legislature has put $3 million in a state fund for potential litigation on the Colorado River.

After the comment period closes, the federal government is required to review public feedback and issue a formal ‘Record of Decision’, likely sometime this summer. Advocacy groups say public feedback matters.

“I just encourage Arizonans to look at this document, understand what that means for your family, your businesses, and what it means for the future,” said Kyle Roerink of the Great Basin Water Network. “Then figure out if you want to advocate for one scenario over another.”

A new operating plan must be in place by October 1, setting the rules for how the Colorado River will be managed for years to come, and shaping Arizona’s water future in the process.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Arizona

Arizona Lottery Powerball, The Pick results for Feb. 28, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Arizona Lottery Powerball, The Pick results for Feb. 28, 2026

The Arizona Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers

06-20-35-54-65, Powerball: 10, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning The Pick numbers

09-12-15-25-31-35

Check The Pick payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers

6-1-8

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers

07-10-22-30-36

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Triple Twist numbers

08-09-14-17-30-41

Check Triple Twist payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news and results

What time is the Powerball drawing?

Powerball drawings are at 7:59 p.m. Arizona time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

How much is a Powerball lottery ticket today?

In Arizona, Powerball tickets cost $2 per game, according to the Arizona Lottery.

How to play the Powerball

To play, select five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls, then select one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball.

You can choose your lucky numbers on a play slip or let the lottery terminal randomly pick your numbers.

To win, match one of the 9 Ways to Win:

5 white balls + 1 red Powerball = Grand prize.
5 white balls = $1 million.
4 white balls + 1 red Powerball = $50,000.
4 white balls = $100.
3 white balls + 1 red Powerball = $100.
3 white balls = $7.
2 white balls + 1 red Powerball = $7.
1 white ball + 1 red Powerball = $4.
1 red Powerball = $4.

There’s a chance to have your winnings increased two, three, four, five and 10 times through the Power Play for an additional $1 per play. Players can multiply non-jackpot wins up to 10 times when the jackpot is $150 million or less.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Arizona Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to P.O. Box 2913, Phoenix, AZ 85062.

To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a winner claim form and deliver the form, along with the ticket and government-issued ID to any of these locations:

Phoenix Arizona Lottery Office: 4740 E. University Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4400. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Tucson Arizona Lottery Office: 2955 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520-628-5107. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Lottery Office: Terminal 4 Baggage Claim, 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4424. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999.

Kingman Arizona Lottery Office: Inside Walmart, 3396 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ 86409, 928-753-8808. Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://www.arizonalottery.com/.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Arizona Republic editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Arizona

Kansas Jayhawks at Arizona Wildcats odds, picks and predictions

Published

2 days ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Kansas Jayhawks at Arizona Wildcats odds, picks and predictions

The No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks (21-7, 11-4 Big 12) visit the No. 2 Arizona Wildcats (26-2, 13-2) Saturday afternoon for a 4 p.m. ET (ESPN) tip from McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Arizona. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NCAA basketball odds around the Kansas vs. Arizona odds and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions for the best bets.

Kansas got back in the win column on Monday with a 69-56 victory over Houston, covering as a 2.5-point home underdog with the Under (137.5) hitting. G Tre White led all scorers with 23 points while F Bryson Tiller (11 points, 10 rebounds) added a double-double in the much-needed victory after the Jayhawks had dropped 2 of their previous 3.

Arizona has won 3 in a row after taking down Baylor 87-80 on Tuesday, narrowly failing to cover as a 7.5-point road favorite with the Over (154.5) hitting. G Jaden Bradley scored a team-high 25 points, G Brayden Burries added 24, and F Tobe Awaka (10 points, 13 rebounds) added a double-double.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch NCAA basketball on Fubo!

Kansas at Arizona odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 9:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Kansas +400 (bet $100 to win $500) | Arizona -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Kansas +9.5 (-110) | Arizona -9.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 149.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Kansas at Arizona picks and predictions

Prediction

Arizona 76, Kansas 69

PASS.

There is minimal value on the Wildcats (-550) to win at home on Saturday against a Jayhawks team that is 5-4 on the road this season.

BET KANSAS +9.5 (-110).

The Jayhawks are 18-10 ATS this season, including 9-3 ATS over their last 12. They are 3-1 ATS over their last 4 on the road, as well, and are coming off a massive win over No. 5 Houston to build momentum heading into another tough contest.

The Wildcats have failed to cover in 4 of their last 5 games, including each of their last 4 as favorites and back-to-back games at home.

With a near double-digit spread, the advantage belongs to the road squad.

BET UNDER 149.5 (-105).

The Wildcats have hit the Under in 7 of their last 10 games, including 3 of their last 4. They have scored 78 or fewer points in 4 of their last 5 games while allowing 68 or fewer in 5 of their last 10, including 2 of their last 3.

The Jayhawks have hit a 19-9 Under record this season and have also hit the Under in 7 of their last 10. They have scored 69 or fewer points in 3 of their last 4 while allowing 75 or fewer in 7 of their last 10.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

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