MLB power rankings: Arizona Diamondbacks 'dark horse contender' in 2023 MLB season

The Arizona Diamondbacks went 74-88 last season.

Early MLB power rankings think they could fare better in the 2023 MLB season.

Several sites are raving about Arizona's prospects and potential this season ahead of Thursday's MLB Opening Day, with a couple sites saying the team could be a "dark horse contender" and more than one saying that the team "could surprise a lot of people this year."

What can we expect from the Diamondbacks this season? Could Arizona possibly contend for a playoff spot?

Check out what some MLB writers are saying about the team's future in their MLB power rankings for 2023.

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Bleacher Report: Diamondbacks start season with No. 17 rank in MLB power rankings

Joel Reuter writes: "The D-Backs have dark horse contender upside thanks to a talented up-and-coming core that includes Corbin Carroll, Jake McCarthy, Alek Thomas, Gabriel Moreno, Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson. The one-two punch of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly atop the rotation is the most underrated pitching duo in baseball, while Evan Longoria could be a great veteran addition to a young locker room."

Sportsnaut: Diamondbacks No. 20 in MLB power rankings to begin season

Matt Johnson writes: "We’re certainly higher on the Arizona Diamondbacks than the consensus MLB power rankings. While it’s a long shot that this team earns a Wild Card spot, this team is underrated. A lineup with Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, Christian Walker, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno is better than what Arizona sent on the field in 2022. Combining the improved lineup with a solid rotation and top prospects coming, the Diamondbacks could surprise a lot of people this year."

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ESPN: Diamondbacks ranked No. 20 in MLB power rankings as season approaches

Alden Gonzalez writes: "They're in a tough division, of course, but Arizona's future nonetheless seems promising, with several talented young players -- Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, Geraldo Perdomo and Gabriel Moreno on the position-player side, along with Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, Drey Jameson on the pitching side -- who will be ready to contribute in 2023. The D-backs acquired some veteran pieces this offseason, adding Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Kyle Lewis and Evan Longoria to a lineup that should be better. But their big question -- When can they legitimately contend? -- will be answered by the development of the aforementioned young players."

Fansided: Diamondbacks begin season ranked No. 21 in MLB power rankings

Tim Boyle writes: "The Arizona Diamondbacks can surprise a lot of people this year. The young players should help make them a contender soon enough. They’re just not quite there at the present moment to rank them any higher. A timid offseason should have fans cautious about thinking they’ll be able to finish higher than fourth. They definitely can. If you’re looking for a dark horse playoff team in the National League, these are your guys."

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Clutch Points: Diamondbacks open MLB power rankings for season ranked No. 22

Josey Mistretta writes: "The Diamondbacks have the talent to compete soon. But they also play in a difficult division, as overcoming the Dodgers and Padres will be a major challenge. Arizona may be able to finish in third place ahead of San Francisco, but that is as high as they will get in the NL West. With that being said, the Diamondbacks have reason for hope moving forward."

CBS Sports: Diamondbacks ranked No. 23 in MLB power rankings to start season

Matt Snyder writes: "The popular NL Rookie of the Year pick is going to be Jordan Walker. And while that doesn't mean people are necessarily sleeping on D-Backs speedster Corbin Carroll, I'll remind you to not sleep on my pick, Mr. Carroll. Also, if there's a breakout team among those considered to be bottom-feeding types, I'll take the Diamondbacks."

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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: MLB power rankings 2023: Arizona Diamondbacks 'dark horse contender'