- Randy Johnson is the franchise leader in bWAR.
- The Diamondbacks won the World Series in 2001 and lost the Fall Classic in 2023.
- Only six players have amassed higher than 19 bWAR for the franchise.
While not always at the top of the MLB odds board to win it all, the Diamondbacks have enjoyed World Series glory alongside deep rebuilds. Only two players have had their number retired by the franchise, but there are still some excellent candidates when choosing the best Arizona Diamondbacks of all time.
Arizona has made seven playoff appearances and won two pennants. Plenty of big names have donned the Diamondbacks jersey, but who makes the cut for my rankings?
Here are the greatest Diamondbacks ever.
Best Arizona Diamondbacks Players of All Time
| Rank | Player | Position | Diamondbacks Years |
| 1 | Randy Johnson | Starting Pitcher | 1999-2004, 2007-2008 |
| 2 | Paul Goldschmidt | First Baseman | 2011-2018 |
| 3 | Brandon Webb | Starting Pitcher | 2003-2009 |
| 4 | Luis Gonzalez | Left Fielder | 1999-2006 |
| 5 | Ketel Marte | Second Baseman | 2017-Present |
1. Randy Johnson
Winner of four consecutive Cy Young Awards and World Series MVP, Randy Johnson is comfortably the best Diamondback of all time. Johnson put up 50.9 bWAR over his two stints at Chase Field.
Twenty years ago Randy Johnson signed with the @Dbacks.
No regrets about that deal. pic.twitter.com/K0wsaBp8yU
— MLB (@MLB) December 1, 2018
He leads the franchise in innings pitched, strikeouts, strikeouts per nine innings, complete games, and ERA+. Dominant doesn’t even cover it. Johnson was the sport’s best pitcher, which he paired with phenomenal durability.
2. Paul Goldschmidt
The leader in position player bWAR, Paul Goldschmidt might have rivaled Johnson for top spot if he had played out his career with Arizona. Instead, Goldschmidt was traded to the Cardinals, where he won his first MVP after two runner-up finishes as a Diamondback.
Goldschmidt has the most walks in franchise history. His 145 OPS+ is miles ahead of anyone else.
While the Diamondbacks weren’t at their most competitive during Goldschmidt’s time with the team, leading the franchise in bWAR in five separate seasons is still a major achievement.
3. Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb won the Cy Young in 2006 and was runner-up in each of the following two seasons. Unfortunately, injuries cut his career drastically short, and he made just one MLB appearance after a brilliant 2008 campaign.
Webb’s career 142 ERA+ is in the top 20 ever. Johnson is the only pitcher to have thrown more innings as a Diamondback.
Mario Kart? 👎
Bullpen Cart? 👍Birthday boy @Luisgonzo20 squared off against Cy Young winner Brandon Webb in the inaugural @ChaseField Grand Prix! pic.twitter.com/aRgIU0DC2M
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 3, 2020
Led by his exceptional sinker, Webb looked to be building a Cooperstown-worthy career, which included leading the Diamondbacks in bWAR on three occasions.
4. Luis Gonzalez
Luis Gonzalez was a late bloomer. Traded to the Diamondbacks ahead of his age-31 season, Gonzalez had no All-Star selections to his name. His first year with the Diamondbacks was a career year, which resulted in a first All-Star berth and MVP votes.
After eight seasons with the Diamondbacks, Gonzo had racked up five All-Star selections, a World Series title and a third-place MVP finish. His 130 OPS+ is the second-highest in franchise history.
5. Ketel Marte
Perhaps it’s premature to include Ketel Marte in these rankings, but the former Mariner has the third-highest OPS+ and the third-most offensive bWAR. The 2019 season was Marte’s individual highlight, with his lone All-Star selection and a fourth-placed MVP finish.
Marte, though, was excellent in 2021 and 2023, too. His defensive versatility has been invaluable, with his ability to slot in at second, shortstop or center field making life much easier for Torey Lovullo.