Diamondbacks assess first base options amid offensive struggles
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 7:00 PM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
As of July 28, 2026, the Arizona Diamondbacks are evaluating their first base situation after lacking offensive production. Their first basemen are hitting a combined.215/.249/.312 for a.561 OPS, the worst figures for the position in over a century. Ten players have appeared at first base this season, with contenders Ildemaro Vargas, Tim Tawa, and Tyler Locklear showing promise since Pavin Smith's DFA. Vargas leads defensively with positive metrics in both Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved, while a platoon strategy might improve performance against different pitcher types.
- •Diamondbacks first basemen struggle with a.561 OPS this season.
- •Ten players have appeared at first base, including Ildemaro Vargas and Tim Tawa.
- •Ildemaro Vargas is the best defender according to OAA and DRS metrics.
- •Platoon strategy may enhance batting performance against varied pitching.
- 7:00 PMYahoo Sports — What Has Recently Changed At First Base?
"Inspiration. The Diamondbacks had three weak positions at the All-Star break: First base, left field, and center field. The following table shows some highlight metrics in games through 16 July. Data from Baseball Beference and Baseball Savant. “The sum total of these endeavors is wretched on a historical level. Over almost three hundred plate appearances, […]
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