Arizona Diamondbacks logo (Image Credits: Getty Images)

Arizona Diamondbacks Owner Throws Shade At The Dodgers – 'Gorilla Doesn’t Win Every Fight'

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 8:42 AM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers have dominated the MLB the past three years, both off the field and on it. They are spending at an unprecedented level in the free agent market, thereby winning the World Series for a second straight year. For the Arizona Diamondbacks, it is clearly a battle between David and Goliath in the National League West.

Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick referred to the Los Angeles Dodgers as a “900-pound gorilla” during his speech at the start of their spring training camp. Despite the huge odds stacked against them, Kendrick believes the D-Backs can topple the Dodgers. He reminded us that the gorilla does not always win in the jungle.

Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick on the “900-pound gorilla” that is the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“Obviously, it’s a big challenge… the gorilla doesn’t win every fight.” pic.twitter.com/1IIoydRmPw
— Alex D’Agostino (@AlexDagAZ) February 15, 2026

“Obviously, it’s a big challenge with folks over in L.A. being, as I said to someone the other day, the 900-pound gorilla,” he said. “My memory of the way it works in the jungle is, the gorilla doesn’t win every fight.”

The Dodgers won the NL West division title for a fourth straight year in 2025. They have not finished outside the top two spots in their division since 2011.

Ken Kendrick Says Diamondbacks Will Challenge For Playoffs In 2026

Ketel Marte (Image Credits: Imagn)

Ken Kendrick holds high expectations for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026. He stated the roster is strong enough to contend for a playoff berth. At the very least, Kendrick wants the D-backs fanbase to recognize that the ownership is committed to winning.

“We have a group of guys that we’ve placed our bets on for the year. I expect them to be in the playoffs. I hope the fans will see that we have a club that can prove to them that we are a competitive club that’s going to be playing baseball in October,” he said.

We have agreed to terms with RHP Zac Gallen on a 1-year contract.

To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Corbin Burnes was placed on the 60-day injured list (recovery from right ulnar collateral ligament surgery).
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) February 15, 2026

The Diamondbacks finished outside the playoff spots for the past three seasons after taking the NL pennant in 2022. They have just two postseason appearances since 2011, when they won their fifth division title.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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