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 finished the season leading all pitchers with 82 appearances.
- Role
- Relief Pitcher
- Affiliation
- Arizona Diamondbacks
Verified Timeline
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 led all pitchers with 82 appearances, showcasing remarkable longevity before announcing his retirement on October 10, 2018.
In Their Own Story
The atmosphere at Chase Field shifted when Brad Ziegler entered the game, a familiar sight for fans who knew his delivery would differ from standard mound visits. After being traded to Arizona in 2011, he transitioned into a role that leveraged his submarine style, a change initiated by Oakland's Ron Romanick before his promotion but perfected during his Diamondbacks years. On July 31, 2018, the cycle completed as he returned to the organization he had first joined in 2011. That final season was a testament to his stamina; he finished leading all pitchers with 82 appearances, a feat that highlighted his ability to remain effective well into his late thirties. Following this historic workload, Ziegler announced his retirement on October 10, 2018, marking the end of an era for the franchise's relief corps.
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.
Did You Know?
- Brad Ziegler was traded back to the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 31, 2018, in exchange for Tommy Eveld.
- In the 2018 season, Ziegler finished leading all pitchers with 82 appearances.
- Ziegler announced his retirement from baseball on October 10, 2018, which was also his birthday.
- He signed a two-year contract worth $10.5 million with the Diamondbacks in December 2013.
- The Arizona Diamondbacks exercised Ziegler's $5.5 million option for the 2016 season on November 3, 2015.
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.
What was Brad Ziegler's pitching role?
Ziegler served as a key relief pitcher who anchored the team's bullpen with his unique low-arm angle. His specialized submarine delivery made him one of the few major league pitchers to successfully master that style while wearing the D-Backs uniform.
When did Brad Ziegler sign his contract with Arizona?
In December 2013, he agreed to a two-year deal worth $10.5 million to continue his tenure with the franchise. This agreement solidified his place in the organization before his eventual second stint later on.
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.
Why is Brad Ziegler important to the Diamondbacks?
He is remembered as a submarine specialist who provided stability across two distinct eras of the team's history. His longevity and unique pitching style made him a pivotal figure in Arizona's relief corps during his time there.