Getty Image
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ future remains uncertain according to owner Ken Kendrick. The team has yet to solidify either a television or home venue deal, the second of which could cause a move out of Phoenix.
Kendrick broke down the situation as it currently stands with the D’backs headed into Spring Training.
Spirits are at a high with the team fresh off a World Series appearance in 2023. Arizona slipped into a wildcard spot after going 84-78 during the regular season, and then got hot.
Knocking off the Brewers, Dodgers, and Phillies in consecutive order, they landed their first National League crown since 2001.
Throughout that run, the city showed out to offer its support.
@ali.jao #fyp #foryou #baseball #playoffs #mlb #mlbplayoffs #phillies #arizona #diamondbacks #dbacks #dbacksbaseball #phoenix #sports ♬ original sound – Ali Khan
Fans packed the seats at Chase Field night after night, rooting the home team to victory time and again.
@_adamdanks LETS GO D-BACKS!!! CHASE FIELD IS ELECTRIC FACTORY #baseball #mlb #arizonadiamondbacks #playoffs ♬ original sound – Adam Danks
Ken Kendrick is asking for a little more from the city, though.
Diamondbacks ownership wants public funding for stadium renovations.
$400-$500 million worth…
Kendrick is disappointed with where things currently stand.
“There are opportunities available,” the owner said. “There are other cities that would covet having major league baseball. It’s not like I’m speaking out of school to say that, and those names are prominent cities that would love to have a major league team.
“We’re not in dialogue with those communities, but we’re aware of what is going on. There is likely to be in time an expansion of our sport to a couple of additional cities. Cities are letting MLB know their interest in getting a team is specific.
“They would be happy with a brand-new franchise; they would certainly be very happy with frankly a successful existing franchise. It’s not where we are spending time or energy. We may run out of time in Phoenix, we hope that won’t happen.”
Arizona’s lease with Chase Field runs out in 2027, and while these talks have been going on since last Spring Training session, it doesn’t seem much progress has been made.
Is this just Kendrick applying pressure with the team fresh off recent success, or is the threat of a departure real?