Following, cheering for covering or otherwise investing oneself in a team with as many questions and polar extremes as the Arizona Diamondbacks can be a draining way to experience a sport like baseball. It also makes it more fun, less predictable and more enjoyable to analyze.

The Diamondbacks' 2026 season obviously did not end the way fans, coaches, players, front office members or anyone else involved might have hoped at the outset.

There were some strong positives from an 86-76 season and a late playoff push; there were some concerns that graduated to frustrations, as well.

But when I think about the Diamondbacks latest, unsuccessful quest for a postseason appearance, three things come to the top of my mind. Here they are:

1: Diamondbacks' shift in pitching philosophy was right decision

Sep 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Taylor Clarke in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J.…