Arizona Diamondbacks: 3 Middle Relief Options
Imagine having two submarine/side-arming pitchers in the same bullpen. That is what the D-backs would get if they sign O’Day to pair with Ziegler. The 33-year old O’Day is a big reason why the Baltimore Orioles made the playoffs twice over the past four seasons. 2015 was his best season yet as he made the All-Star Game for the first time in his eight-year career. He pitched to a 1.52 ERA in 68 games, striking out 82 batters in 65 1/3 innings. During his time in Baltimore, O’Day had a record of 23-8 with a 1.92 ERA, allowing only 185 hits in 263 innings pitched. He has established himself as one of the premier setup men in the American League and will be a sought-after commodity.
If the D-backs are interested, this is where they will have to make a tough decision. O’Day will not come cheaply with his salary probably coming close to the $5.5 million the team will be paying Ziegler. Do they want to shell out upwards of $11 million dollars or more on two back-of-the bullpen arms? Or is the team comfortable with cheaper alternatives? Having a bullpen quartet of Ziegler, O’Day, Hudson and Chafin would be tough on opposing lineups, that is if Hudson does not return to the rotation, a thought that has been floated in the past.
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