By Jordan Long
The Arizona Diamondbacks finished the 2019 season at 85-77, 4 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the 2nd Wild Card spot. Arizona was searching for an ace for the pitching staff during the offseason. since they traded pitcher Zack Greinke to the Houston Astros at the MLB trade deadline. They filled that void with the signing of Madison Bumgarner.
Bumgarner was one of the top pitchers in free agency. He spent the previous 11 seasons with the San Francisco Giants, establishing himself as one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball. Bumgarner won 15 or more games 4 times in a Giants’ uniform. San Francisco went to the postseason with him in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016. They were victorious in the World Series with him 3 times, 2010, 2012, and 2014. Bumgarner was the World Series MVP in 2014.
Last season was not his best. Bumgarner ended with a record of 9-9 with an ERA of 3.90. There were talks Bumgarner was going to be dealt to a team in playoff position at the MLB trade deadline. The Giants, though, decided to keep him. San Francisco ended the year at 77-85, 12 games back of the Brewers for the final Wild Card spot. Once the season was over, the Giants were hoping to keep Bumgarner. He was a free agent and could strike an agreement with any team he picked.
The Arizona Diamondbacks decided they needed him in the pitching rotation, agreeing to a 5-year, $85 million deal, paying him $17 million a year. Arizona hopes Bumgarner can be the ace of the staff and win 10 or more games each season.
The problem with Bumgarner is he hasn’t won more than 10 games since 2016. In the past 3 seasons, Bumgarner’s combined record is 19-25.
Arizona must feel he can help the Diamondbacks win games and make the postseason. They haven’t reached the playoffs since 2017 when they lost the National League Division Series to the L.A. Dodgers. Maybe that drought will end with Bumgarner.
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