According to resident insider Robert Murray, the two sides were close to a deal that would bring Zach Davies to his hometown Diamondbacks. Zach Davies attended Mesquite High School in Gilbert, Arizona. He was drafted by the Orioles out of high school in the 26th round in the 2011 draft. The now 29-year old has played in the MLB over parts of 7 seasons. The first five of which were with the Brewers. After the 2019 season, he was dealt to the Padres with Trent Grisham for Eric Lauer, Luis Urias, and player to be named later.
He pitched fantastic in his lone season with the Padres during the shortened 2020 season. Unfortunately for him, he was dealt to the Cubs in the Yu Darvish trade in what was essentially a salary dump by the Cubs. While at Wrigley Field, he struggled mightily. He had his worst season as a pro, right before free agency. He went 6-12 with a 5.78 ERA, 148 innings, and 75 walks to only 114 K's. Don't worry Dbacks fans, this isn't the real Zach Davies. Especially not with wizard Brent Strom coaching him.
Davies signed a 1-year deal worth at least 1.75 million dollars but that contains a buy-out on his option for 2023. This contract has incentives for games started too where he can earn 2.5 million more. It's a solid deal for the Diamondbacks who need a 5th starter right now. If Davies performs great, the team can trade him or keep him via the option.
Zach Davies will likely start the season as the 5th starter until Zac Gallen is ready. Of course, that's assuming that he is ready by then. He could also serve as a long-man out of the rotation. Although he's proven his mettle as a starting pitcher that doesn't strike a ton of batters. Over his 7 years in the league, he's started all 155 of his games pitching 831.2 innings, allowing 274 walks, striking out 611, and going 56-48 with an ERA of 4.14, FIP of 4.41, and an ERA+ of 104. He's accumulated 8.8 WAR which is pretty good considering he isn't a front-line starter. Either way, the Dbacks are lucky to continue building more depth for a long season.
Welcome back to the desert Zach! Glad to have you on the team!