The Diamondbacks have come a long way since their establishment in 1998 and have achieved notable success over the years, including their World Series appearance in 2001 and their recent National League Championship. While they may still be considered a relatively young team, it's time to discuss and recognize the greatest players in Diamondbacks history.

Most of the time when a list like this is created, the majority of the authors start from #1 and work their way down to the last player on the list.  I like to do countdowns.  So today, I'm starting with the man behind the plate.  He's the only catcher on the list for the Arizona Diamondbacks' Top 20 Greatest Players of All-Time list.  And just one more note before we start the list.  Just because a "great player" played on the team for a short time, that doesn't mean he's going to make the list.  This list is based off of Arizona Diamondbacks career statistical leaders.  So, players like Mark Grace won't be on this list because he only played three seasons and didn't amass the numbers to crack any statistical top 10 list inside the Diamondbacks organization.  With that being said, I do want to hear what your thoughts are as this is my first attempt writing a GOAT list for the Diamondbacks.

Here we go!

20. Ian Kennedy: Kennedy only played for the Arizona Diamondbacks for four years, but he managed to crack the Top 10 in many team statistical categories.  He's ranked 6th in Wins (52), 8th in Hits per 9IP(8.452), 10th in Strikeouts per 9IP  (7.944), 5th in Innings Pitched (798.2), and 6th in Strike Outs (705),  

19. Miguel Montero:  Montero played for the Arizona Diamonbacks from 2006-2014.  During that time, he is ranked 4th in Games Played for Arizona (906), 6th in hits (795), 8th in total bases (1,270), 7th in Doubles (172), 5th in Walks (334), 5th in Singles (520), and 9th in Extra Base Hits (275).

18. Justin Upton: Upton played for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2007-2012.  During that time, he is ranked 5th in Runs Scored (438), 9th in hits (739), 9th in Total Bases (1,266), 8th in Triples (28), 8th in Home Runs (108), 6th in Base on Balls (306),6th in Stolen Bases (80), and 8th in Extra Base Hits (283). 

17. Jose Valverde: It's tough to see where the Closer fits in on this list because he only had one job to do.  But I wanted to recognize his importance as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Valverde played for the Diamondbacks from 2003-2007.  During that time, Valverde is ranked in Arizona history as the #1 All-Time Closer with 98 Saves, and 181 Games Finished. 

16. Merrill Kelly: Kelly has been with the Arizona Diamondbacks the entire 5 seasons of his professional career.  During this time he is ranked 9th in Earned Runs Average (3.80), 7th in Wins (48), 7th in Hits per 9IP (8.189), 10th in Base on Balls per 9IP (2.794), 9th in Strikeouts per 9IP (8.165), 8th in Innings Pitched (750.2), and 9th in Strike Outs (681).

15. Robbie Ray: Ray played for the Diamondbacks from 2015-2019, and then 7 games in 2020.  He is ranked 8th in Wins (47), 3rd in HP9 Innings Pitched (7.945), 2nd in Strikeouts per 9IP (11.327), 6th in Innings Pitched (793), and 3rd in Strikeouts (998).

14. Stephen Drew: Drew played 6.5 years for the Arizona Diamondbacks.  During that time he ranked 10th in Games Played (773), 8th in Runs Scored (393), 7th in Hits (776), 7th in Total Bases (1,272), 6th in Doubles (176), 1st in Triples (52), and 9th in Singles (476).

13. Katel Marte:  Marte is entering his 8th season with the Arizona Diamondbacks after spending the first two years of his career with the Seattle Mariners.  Marte ranks 6th in Batting Average (.282), 8th in Games Played (792), 7th in Runs Scored (428), 5th in Hits (815), 6th in Total Bases (1,383), 5th in Doubles (184), 4th in Triples (36), 9th in Home Runs (104), 8th in Base on Balls (300), and 8th in Singles (491). 

12.  Zac Gallen: Gallen has played 4.5 years so far with the Arizona Diamondbacks after splitting 2019 with the Mariners. He's ranked 3rd in Earned Run Average (3.24), 8th in Base on Balls per 9IP (2.653), 4th in Strikeouts per 9IP (9.784), 7th in Strikeouts (686), and T-4th in Shutouts (2).

11. Zack Greinke: Greinke was with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2016 to part of 2019.  He's ranked 5th in Earned Run Average (3.40), 5th in Wins (55), 4th in Hits per 9IP (7.946), 4th in Base on Balls per 9IP (1.889), 7th in Strikeouts per 9IP (8.601), 10th in Innings Pitched (719.2), and 8th in Strikeouts (683). 

10. Patrick Corbin: Corbin spent from 2012-2018 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  He's ranked 10th in Earned Run Average (3.91), 4th in Wins (56), 8th in Strikeouts per 9IP (8.537), 3rd in Innings Pitched (945.2), 4th in Strikeouts (897), and 8th in Complete Games (4). 

9. Tony Womack: Womack played for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1991-2002 and part of 2003.  He played an integral part of the 2001 World Series Championship team.  He's ranked 9th in Runs Scored (392), 3rd in Triples (37), 1st in Stolen Bases (182), and 4th in Singles (521). 

8. Steve Finley: Finley played for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1999-2003, and most of 2004.  He's ranked t-10th in Batting Average (.278), 7th in Games Played (849), 3rd in Runs Scored (491), 4th in Hits (847), 4th in Total Bases (1,524), 10th in Doubles (150), 5th in Triples (34), 3rd in Home Runs (153), 4th in Base on Balls (337), 7th in Stolen Bases (70), 7th in Singles (510), and 5th in Extra Base Hits (337).

7. Chris Young: Young spent from 2006-2012 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  He ranks 6th in Games Played (885), 4th in Runs Scored (453), 8th in Hits (758), 5th in Total Bases (1,386), 3rd in Doubles (198), 4th in Home Runs (132), 3rd in Base on Balls (360), 3rd in Stolen Bases (112), and T-3rd in Extra Base Hits (347). 

6. David Peralta: Peralta played for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2014-2021 and most of the 2022 season.  He ranks 5th in Batting Average (.283), 3rd in Games Played (961), 6th in Runs Scored (434), 3rd in Hits (960), 3rd in Total Bases (1,573), 4th in Doubles (191), 2nd in Triples (46), 7th in Home Runs (110), 9th in Base on Balls (280), 3rd in Singles (613), and T-3rd in Extra Base Hits (347).

5. Curt Schilling: Schilling played for the Diamondbacks from part-way through the 2000 season through 2003.  Yet he ranks high in many statistical categories.  He's ranked 2nd in Earned Run Average (3.14), 3rd in Wins (58), 5th in Hits per 9IP (7.979), 1st in Base on Balls per 9IP (1.347), 3rd in Strikeouts per 9IP (10.075), 7th in Innings Pitched (781.2), 5th in Strikeouts (875), 2nd in Complete Games (18), and 3rd in Shutouts (5).

4. Paul Goldschmidt: "Goldy" played for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2011-2018.  He ranks 2nd in Batting Average (.297), 2nd in Games Played (1,092), 2nd in Runs Scored (709), 2nd in Hits (1,182), 2nd in Total Bases (2,114), 2nd in Doubles (267), 2nd in Home Runs (209), 1st in Base on Balls (655), 2nd in Stolen Bases (124), 2nd in Singles (687), 2nd in Extra Base Hits (494).

3. Brandon Webb: Webb played for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2003-2008, and pitched 1 game in 2009.  He spent his entire career with Arizona.  He ranks 4th in Earned Run Average (3.27), 2nd in Wins (87), 6th in Hits per 9IP (8.184), 2nd in Innings Pitched (1319.2), 2nd in Strikeouts (1065), 3rd in Complete Games (15), and 2nd in Shutouts (8). 

2. Luis Gonzalez: "Gonzo" played for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1999-2006. He ranks 1st in Batting Average (.298), 1st in Games Played (1,194), 1st in Runs Scored (780), 1st in Hits (1,337), 1st in Total Bases (2,373), 1st in Doubles (310), 9th in Triples (27), 1st in Home Runs (224), 2nd in Base on Balls (650), and 1st in Extra Base Hits (561).

1. Randy Johnson: "The Big Unit" played for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1999-2004, and again from 2007-2008. He ranks 1st in Earned Run Average (2.83), 1st in Wins (118), 2nd in Hits per 9IP (7.314), 6th in Base on Balls per 9IP (2.296), 1st in Strikeouts per 9IP (11.466), 9th in Games Played (233, only SP in Top 10 of this stat), 1st in Innings Pitched (1,630.1), 1st in Complete Games (38), 1st in Shutouts (14), and 3rd in Home Runs per 9IP (0.900). 

In conclusion, the Arizona Diamondbacks' journey from their inception in 1998 to the present day has been marked by significant accomplishments and contributions from a myriad of talented players. As we reflect on the team's history and achievements, the unveiling of the Top 20 Greatest Players of All-Time list provides a fascinating glimpse into the impact these individuals have had on the franchise.

From the early years to the recent successes, the Diamondbacks have seen standout performances from players across different positions. The countdown highlights the statistical prowess and enduring legacy of each player, illustrating their integral roles in shaping the team's narrative. Notably, the list pays homage to the unsung heroes who may have had shorter stints but left an indelible mark on the organization.

The presence of iconic figures such as Randy Johnson, Luis Gonzalez, and Paul Goldschmidt underscores the team's commitment to excellence and the caliber of talent that has graced the Diamondbacks' uniform over the years. Each player on the list, from the powerhouse pitchers to the dynamic position players, has contributed to the team's success and etched their names in the annals of Diamondbacks history.

As fans reminisce about unforgettable moments and stellar performances, the Top 20 Greatest Players of All-Time list sparks discussions and debates, allowing for a celebration of the diverse skills and achievements that have defined the Diamondbacks. The journey to compile this list serves as a testament to the rich history and evolution of the team, providing fans with an opportunity to appreciate the outstanding contributions of these players who have left an enduring legacy in Arizona Diamondbacks lore.

I want to thank Baseball Reference for creating a site packed with stats that took me 5 hours on a Sunday to sift through just so I can make this article that took about 5 minutes for everyone to read and then hate me over.  Much appreciated! LOL! 

Oh, and make sure you pick up my "Ultimate Podcasting Guide for Sports Fanatics" here

Jeff Demers
Sports Media X
Sports Director/Journalist