Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly believes Arizona is better this season than the club that made it to the Fall Classic last year.
“I know we went to the World Series last year, but I think this team is better this year,” Kelly said, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. “Really, we’re a lot better, especially with our bullpen. It’s the best since I’ve been here. We’ve gone through our struggles. We’ve gone through our injuries. But the fact (of) where we are now only confirms that we are a better team.
“There’s no reason we can’t take it a step further this year.”
Arizona (72-56) has gone 23-7 since the All-Star break to grab a firm grip on a wild-card spot and move within four games of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West lead.
The D-Backs’ bullpen has been terrific during the torrid stretch, posting the second-highest fWAR (1.9) in baseball to go along with a combined 3.53 ERA. Offensively, the club has recorded the highest wRC+ (135) and an MLB-best .500 slugging percentage, as well as the second-most homers (55).
Arizona made a Cinderella run to the World Series in 2023 after securing a final wild-card spot with 84 wins.
