Arizona Diamondbacks: 3 Middle Relief Options

Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t know how many times it has been stated already but it bears repeating. The Arizona Diamondbacks will be looking for starting pitching this offseason. They have already been linked to Mike Leake and Dave Stewart has already been on record saying he “loves” Japanese right-hander Kenta Maeda. The D-backs are looking to add one and possibly two starters for the rotation during this Fall and Winter as they get set to become a contender in the National League West. One would think the only type of hurlers the Snakes are looking at are those for the starting rotation. However, do you suppose that maybe they have their eye on bullpen arms as well?

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First, we have already written that Arizona does not necessarily need to acquire a closer. Brad Ziegler did a fine job last year after taking over for Addison Reed. Plus, there are other options in Andrew Chafin, Daniel Hudson and even Randall Delgado if it is deemed that Ziegler helps the team more pitching the eighth inning instead of the ninth. If the D-backs get only one pitcher and that guy is usually out by the seventh inning, then perhaps another middle relief arm acquired from outside the organization makes sense. Even with a full season from Patrick Corbin, this is still a rotation that doesn’t have a lengthy track record of deep performances. Combine that with a lack of proven arms after the guys mentioned earlier, and you can make a case that management will seek another option. With that in mind, here are three guys that may potentially call Chase Field home next season.

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