Arizona Diamondbacks Look for Relief Help at Winter Meetings
The Arizona Diamondbacks are not going to make the big splash this year at the Winter Meetings like they did last year, when they snatched free agent Zack Greinke for a six-year deal for $206.5 million.
But they still aim to make a few moves, according to reports.
First-year general manager Mike Hazen and his Diamondbacks are heading into the Winter Meetings set on beefing up their bullpen, as they look to acquire some relief arms.
Dbacks focus is on pen. Won't "shock the world" as they did last winter.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 5, 2016
Heyman also notes that the Diamondbacks seek left-handed help in the bullpen. The D-Backs could be in on southpaw free agents like Jerry Blevins, Boone Logan, and Mike Dunn.
With the New York Mets last season in 73 games, Blevins posted a 4-2 record with a 2.79 ERA. Logan struggled last season in his 66 appearances with the Colorado Rockies, compiling a poor 2-5 record to complement a 3.69 ERA.
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As a member of the Miami Marlins in 2016, Dunn had a sparkling 6-1 record and an average 3.40 ERA. All of these left-handed options are no older than 32 years of age, and posted good numbers in the regular season with their respected clubs.
Stars like Kenley Jansen, Mark Melancon, and Aroldis Chapman may not be realistic options for Hazen to target. But, he could go after former D-Back Brad Ziegler, who would serve to be a cheaper, but efficient alternative.
Ziegler was traded to the Boston Red Sox in July of ’16 for two minor league prospects. He only threw 29.2 innings in Boston, but was a nightmare for opposing hitters. Batters only managed to hit .234 against him, with just one home run and 31 strikeouts. Ziegler posted a marvelous 1.52 ERA despite a 2-4 record.
The 37-year old submarine-styled pitcher had previously spent parts of six season with the Diamondbacks. His return to the desert is likely to be welcomed by D-Backs fans, as well as Hazen and his crew in the front office.
After recently dumping Welington Segura, Rubby De La Rosa, and Jean Segura, the Diamondbacks have freed up some cap space, which they intend to use during the Winter Meetings. They saved about $16-million through these moves.
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The Diamondbacks aren’t going to make a huge splash like they did last year. But, the small moves Hazen chooses to make at the meetings could pay dividends for the team next season.