Brad Ziegler, Relief Pitcher, Retired

Date of Birth: 10/10/1979
Birthplace: Pratt, Kansas
College: Missouri State University

Brad Ziegler, retired relief pitcher, was first drafted in 2002 by the Oakland Athletics but he didn't sign with them. A year later, when the Philadelphia Phillies drafted him, he signed with them. He pitched in the Phillies' minor league system for less than a season before they released him in March, 2004. Two months later, he was acquired by the Athletics. He then continued in the minors through 2007, first as a starting pitcher and then transitioning to a reliever in 2007.

Ziegler joined the Athletics for 47 games in 2008. He had a strong first season, finishing with a career low ERA of 1.06, a 3-0 record, and 11 saves in 59.2 innings. The following year, he had career highs in innings pitched (73.1) and strikeouts (54 to 28 walks). In 2009, he had a 3.07 ERA with 7 saves in 69 games.

The Athletics traded Ziegler to the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 31, 2011. He finished that season with a 2.16 ERA in 43 games with the Athletics and 23 games with the Diamondbacks.

In 2013, Ziegler had career highs in games played (78), wins (8 to 1 loss), and saves (13). He had a 2.22 ERA. The following season, he finished with a 3.49 ERA in 67.0 innings in 68 games.

Ziegler was the Diamondbacks' closer in 2015. He finished the season with 30 saves, 36 strikeouts to 17 walks, and a 1.85 ERA in 68.0 innings in 66 games. On November 4, 2015, the Diamondbacks exercised his option for 2016.

Ziegler was traded to the Boston Red Sox on July 9, 2016. He finished the 2016 season with a 2.25 ERA, 4 wins to 7 losses, 22 saves, and 58 strikeouts to 26 walks in 36 games with the Diamondbacks and 33 games with the Red Sox. In the postseason, he pitched 0.2 innings in 1 game and he gave up no hits.

Ziegler became a free agent on November 3, 2016. He signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Miami Marlins on December 23, 2016. He finished the 2017 season with a 4.79 ERA in 53 games. He had 1 win and 4 losses, 10 saves, and 26 strikeouts to 16 walks in 47.0 innings.

Ziegler returned to the Diamondbacks in a trade on July 31, 2018. He finished the 2018 season with 2 wins and 6 losses, 10 saves, 50 strikeouts to 25 walks, and a 3.91 ERA in 53 games with the Marlins and 29 games with the Diamondbacks.

Ziegler retired on October 10, 2018.

Career pitching statistics for Ziegler through 2018 include:

• 739 games played
• 717.1 innings pitched
• 37-38 win-loss record
• 105 saves
• 479 strikeouts to 248 walks
• 2.75 ERA

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Brad Ziegler
ESPN - Brad Ziegler