Kendall Graveman is heading to Arizona. Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images.
Right-handed relief pitcher Kendall Graveman has finalized a $1.35 million, one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team said Monday.
The 34-year-old Graveman figures to add depth to the D-backs bullpen and could compete for the closer’s role. He missed last season following surgery in January 2024 to repair the labrum in his right shoulder.
Since he switched to a full-time relief role in 2021, he has a 2.74 ERA and 193 strikeouts over 187 1/3 innings.
Graveman first pitched in the big leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014 and went on to the Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros.
He last pitched for the White Sox and Astros in 2023, finishing the season with a 3.12 ERA over 68 appearances. He has a 37-43 record over nine MLB seasons with a 3.95 ERA and 24 saves.
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Adding Brendan Rodgers is a low risk move that could provide solid upside. Photo via: Wiki Commons.
The Houston Astros have bolstered their infield by reportedly signing former Colorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers.
Sources: IF Brendan Rodgers and #Astros have agreed to a 1-year deal, pending physical. pic.twitter.com/ysZkLgMbYs
— Ari Alexander (@KPRC2Ari) February 19, 2025
The move adds both defensive stability and offensive upside to a team looking to maintain its dominance in the AL West.
Rodgers, a former first-round pick, spent the past six seasons with the Rockies, where he showcased his defensive prowess and developing bat. Known for his smooth glove work, he won a Gold Glove in 2022 and has been a steady presence at second base. Offensively, Rodgers has shown flashes of power and consistency, though injuries have occasionally slowed his progress.
Should he make the team, Rodgers is expected to slot into the infield mix, potentially taking over as the everyday second baseman or serving as a key utility option. His arrival makes the possibility of Jose Altuve playing a significant amount of time in left field seem more likely.
It also frees up Mauricio Dubon to remain in a utility role and not regularly penciled in at second base when Altuve starts in left.
Rodgers posted a .267 batting average over 135 games last season. He recorded a .314 on-base percentage, while slugging .407, with an OPS of .721. He also blasted 13 dingers in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field.
You can watch his 2024 highlights below.
*ChatGPT assisted with this content.
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