The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially moved on from veteran lefty Madison Bumgarner. The team designated Bumgarner for assignment last week, and he now becomes a free agent after clearing waivers.
By making this move, the Diamondbacks have decided to swallow up $34.4 million in guaranteed salary that Bumgarner was due to receive. The 33-year-old, on the other hand, can now sign with any team of his choosing.
Arizona signed Bumgarner ahead of the 2020 MLB season, giving him a five-year, $85 million contract. At the time, the franchise hoped the four-time All-Star would bring much-needed consistency to their rotation. However, it’s safe to say things didn’t work out nearly as well as the Diamondbacks envisioned.
In his first season in Arizona, Bumgarner had a career-worst 6.58 ERA while going 1-4. He was solid in the following two seasons before seeing his ERA crater once again to start 2023. In four starts, he had a 10.26 ERA with only 10 strikeouts and a 0-3 record.
Despite the struggles he had in recent years, there is no doubt that a team might give Madison Bumgarner another chance. During his time with the San Francisco Giants, he helped the franchise to three World Series wins while winning World Series MVP honors in 2014. His career stats include a 134–124 record, 3.47 ERA, and 2,070 strikeouts.
