J.J. Putz
The veteran closer who perfected the splitter, broke Mariners records, and wrapped up his career in Arizona.
Joseph Jason Putz, born February 22, 1977, is an American former professional relief pitcher who pitched for the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He inked a two-year deal with the Diamondbacks in December 2010 to start his time in Arizona, but his story really tracks how he grew from a marginal prospect into an elite closer. In Seattle before coming south, Putz dialed in a splitter that completely changed him; there he became the franchise's all-time leader in consecutive saves and took home the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award in 2007. Armed with five distinct pitches—fastballs in the low-to-mid 90s and a mid-80s splitter—he gave every bullpen he joined needed stability.
- Role
- Relief Pitcher
- Team
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Tenure
- 2011–2014
- Status
- Retired
- All-Star Selections
- 1
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Putz's journey to becoming a dominant reliever began with a crucial adjustment during spring training in 2006. Previously relying on a below-average slider, he learned to throw a splitter from then-closer Eddie Guardado. This new pitch allowed him to abandon the slider and dominate Major League hitters. In 2007, his breakthrough season, Putz converted 40 of 42 save opportunities with a microscopic 1.38 ERA and 82 strikeouts in just over 71 innings. His dominance was so pronounced that on July 6, he won the DHL Delivery Man of the Month Award for June. Later that year, on September 25, he was named one of ten finalists for the Delivery Man of the Year Award, while also becoming the first Mariner ever to win the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award.
In Their Own Story
On July 14, 2007, Putz etched his name into Seattle history by breaking Eddie Guardado's franchise record for consecutive saves. The streak reached exactly 30 saves before finally ending, a testament to his consistency during that era. His time with the Diamondbacks began on December 7, 2010, when Arizona agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract that included a $6.5 million club option for 2013. He earned $4 million in 2011 and $4.5 million in 2012, with the team exercising his option on October 20, 2012. His playing days for Arizona concluded when he was designated for assignment on June 20, 2014, and released six days later. However, his connection to the club endured as he rejoined the organization in November of that year as a special assistant to club president Derrick Hall.
Reader's Guide
For fans tracking Putz's career path, it is essential to note his specific timeline with each franchise. He was drafted by the Mariners in the 6th round in 1999 and made his MLB debut on August 11, 2003. After three teams prior to Arizona—Mariners (2003–2008), Mets (2009), and White Sox (2010)—he arrived in the desert for the 2011 season. His pitching style evolved significantly; while he once topped out at 97 mph, his fastballs settled in the 90–94 mph range by his later years. He led with four-seam and two-seam fastballs (the latter primarily to lefties) and utilized a mid-80s splitter as his main off-speed pitch, supplemented by cutters and sliders against right-handed hitters.
Did You Know?
- Putz attended the University of Michigan and shared a dorm with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
- In spring training before the 2006 season, Eddie Guardado taught Putz to throw a splitter, which became his primary secondary pitch.
- Putz broke the Seattle Mariners' consecutive saves record in 2007, ending at exactly 30 saves.
- He was the first Mariner ever to win the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award.
- After being released by the Diamondbacks in June 2014, he immediately rejoined the team as a special assistant to club president Derrick Hall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is J.J. Putz?
J.J. Putz was an American relief pitcher who played for the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, and Arizona Diamondbacks before retiring. Born in 1977, he is best known for his time as a dominant closer who helped multiple teams reach the playoffs.
What made J.J. Putz's pitching style special?
Putz revolutionized his career by perfecting a devastating splitter that became his signature weapon against batters. This pitch allowed him to transition from a marginal prospect into an elite reliever capable of shutting down high-pressure situations.
How long did J.J. Putz play for the Arizona Diamondbacks?
Putz signed with the Diamondbacks in late 2010 and pitched for the team through the 2014 season, serving as their primary closer during that tenure. His time in Arizona marked the final chapter of his Major League career before he retired.
What were J.J. Putz's biggest achievements with Seattle?
Before arriving in Arizona, Putz set the Mariners' franchise record for consecutive saves and won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award in 2007. These accomplishments established him as one of the most reliable closers in baseball prior to his move south.
Why is J.J. Putz considered a legendary Diamondback?
He is remembered for bringing veteran stability and elite closing ability to the Arizona bullpen during a competitive era from 2011 to 2014. His successful transition to the team and eventual retirement there cemented his status as a fan favorite.