PHOENIX — Gabriel Moreno made Arizona Diamondbacks history Sunday, but the accomplishment came with little time to celebrate.
Sep 24, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Gabriel Moreno (14) hits a three-run home run in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Moreno became the first player in Arizona franchise history to win the National League batting title, finishing with a .311 average to edge the Philadelphia Phillies’ Luis Arraez by one percentage point for the crown. He also became just the fifth catcher in MLB history to win the title, joining Bubbles Hargrave, Ernie Lombardi, Joe Mauer and Buster Posey.
But the achievement came as the Diamondbacks’ postseason hopes disappeared. Arizona was eliminated by the Phillies after the playoff race came down to the final day, with the D-Backs needing not only a win but also a Philadelphia loss to advance.
Sep 24, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Gabriel Moreno (14) celebrates his three-run home run in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Moreno wasn’t on the field to help. A sudden hamstring injury kept him out of the season finale, ending his season on the sidelines as Arizona’s playoff push came to an end.
The injury first surfaced Friday while Moreno was running the bases, and he was removed from the game. He returned Saturday as the designated hitter but was taken out after the hamstring began to tighten.
Moreno was initially penciled into the lineup for Sunday’s finale but was ultimately scratched after he couldn’t put enough pressure on the hamstring during pregame swings.
Gabriel Moreno reacts to winning the National League batting title.
“It means a lot.”
Moreno said he could not turn or swing properly due to his hamstring injury, which was why he was scratched. pic.twitter.com/Vh9NP7NFND
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) September 27, 2026
The injury didn’t cost Moreno the batting title, but it did keep him from helping the Snakes in their final push for the postseason.
“Thankful to be the first [batting champion] here,” Moreno told reporters after Sunday’s game, according to Arizona Sports’ Alex Weiner. “And yeah, I know it’s not a good moment to talk about it. It’s good for the organization, too, but it’s not enough to make the playoffs.”
Apr 9, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) hits an RBI double during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The batting title capped a career year for the 26-year-old catcher. Moreno hit 16 home runs with 83 RBIs and a .874 OPS to go with his league-leading average. His production helped anchor an Arizona offense that spent much of the season searching for consistency and gave the Snakes a reliable presence in the middle of their lineup during their push for the playoffs.
For Moreno, the individual accomplishment still carried weight despite the way the season ended.
“It’s something that you dream when you’re playing baseball since you’re two years old, four years old,” he said. “The batting title here in the big leagues. It means a lot for me, and to my family.”
Jul 29, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) circles the bases on a two run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
And while Moreno made history, his focus quickly turned to what Arizona couldn’t accomplish.
“Next year we gotta keep pushing, trying to get better and make the playoffs.”
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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