Why Brad Ziegler could get traded

Brad Ziegler’s has been a mainstay in the Diamondbacks’ bullpen since he was acquired from the A’s in 2011. But his days in a Diamondbacks uniform could be numbered.

If the team is not in contention by the trade deadline, Ziegler makes a lot of sense as a trade candidate. The Diamondbacks currently stand nine games out of the division lead and 7.5 games out of the Wild Card, so the prospect of selling at the deadline looks very plausible– and Ziegler is a fantastic piece to sell should this happen.

Firstly, he is an accomplished, above-average relief pitcher with closing experience. He has a 2.95 ERA this season to go along with a 2.48 lifetime mark. Just about every contender will be looking to revamp their bullpens, as you can never truly have enough relief pitching. The fact that he has been a successful closer can only add to his appeal from other teams.

Secondly, Ziegler is in his contract year. He’s only making $5.5 million this year and whatever team takes him would only have to pay a fraction of that. He would require no long-term commitment on the part of the buyer. This kind of commitment isn’t going to yield an elite prospect, which makes him appealing to buyers. But he’ll probably net you a so-so, mid-level guy, which is more than the Diamondbacks would get if he walks in the offseason. So this option would be appealing to both parties.

Full disclosure: This is all pure speculation. But it makes total sense. Look for Ziegler’s name to come up in trade talks if the Diamondbacks aren’t contending at the deadline.