Brad Ziegler
The submarine specialist who anchored Arizona's bullpen across two separate eras.
Brad Ziegler served as a pivotal right-handed relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks during two distinct stints, spanning from his trade in July 2011 through his retirement announcement in October 2018. Known widely for his unique submarine delivery, he became one of the few Major League pitchers to master this specific style while wearing the D-Backs uniform. His time with the franchise included a two-year, $10.5 million contract agreement reached in December 2013 and a second tenure beginning on July 31, 2018, where he tied for second among all MLB pitchers with 81 appearances.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Pitcher
- Born
- 10 October 1979
- Birthplace
- Pratt, Kansas, U.S.
- Bats
- Right
- Debut league
- MLB
- Debut date
- May 31
- Debut year
- 2008
- Debut team
- Oakland Athletics
Lore & Background
Ziegler's journey to Arizona began when the Athletics traded him on July 31, 2011, sending Brandon Allen and Jordan Norberto back to Oakland in exchange. He quickly established himself as a key figure in the Diamondbacks' bullpen, eventually signing a significant two-year deal worth $10.5 million on December 20, 2013. This contract included $4.5 million for the 2014 season and $5 million for 2015, with a $5.5 million option for 2016 that the team exercised on November 3, 2015. His tenure was defined by durability and consistency, culminating in his second stint starting in 2018 when he was traded back to Arizona from Miami in exchange for Tommy Eveld. By the end of that season, he had tied for second among all MLB pitchers with 81 appearances, showcasing remarkable longevity before announcing his retirement on October 10, 2018.
Reader's Guide
To understand Ziegler's impact in Arizona, one must recognize his unique submarine delivery, a style that made him difficult to hit despite lacking elite velocity. His value lay in his ability to induce weak contact and maintain control over long stretches. During his second contract period (2014–2016), he was a cornerstone of the bullpen, earning a total salary commitment of $10.5 million with an option for 2016 that the team kept active. His career in Arizona concluded on a high note regarding volume; in 2018, his final season with the club, he led all Major League pitchers with 82 appearances. This volume was critical for the team's depth, and his retirement announcement came just months after this record-setting year, solidifying his legacy as one of the most durable relievers to wear a Diamondbacks uniform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Brad Ziegler?
He was a right-handed relief pitcher who played for the Arizona Diamondbacks over two separate periods starting from his trade in July 2011 until his retirement in October 2018. Known for his submarine delivery style, he became a staple of their bullpen during that era.
How did Brad Ziegler's career end?
He returned for a final season starting July 31, 2018, where he finished leading all pitchers with 82 appearances that year. Following this busy campaign, he officially announced his retirement in October 2018.
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