Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports that Diamondbacks GM Dave Stewart seems content to keep Brad Ziegler in the closer’s role. The club is not expected to heavily pursue a high-end closer such as Aroldis Chapman.
Ziegler, 36, took over the closer’s rule during this past season and did an admirable job, finishing with 30 saves, a 1.85 ERA, and a 36/17 K/BB ratio in 68 innings. Most Sabermetric stats suggest that Ziegler’s 2015 performance won’t be sustainable, particularly because he posted the sixth-lowest strikeout rate among qualified relievers.
However, the Diamondbacks will be counting on Ziegler’s propensity to induce ground balls to continue his run of success. Ziegler’s 72.8 percent ground ball rate ranked second behind Orioles closer Zach Britton.
Ziegler will earn $5.5 million for the 2016 season and can become a free agent after the season.