Inbox: What are expectations for Bumgarner?

Beat reporter Steve Gilbert answers questions from D-backs fans

January 3rd, 2020
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      What gives the D-backs so much confidence that is going to be good? He’s been pretty mediocre the past three years, and he’s thrown a lot of innings. And he’s 30, which is not a good sign for improvement.
      -- Bob K., Phoenix

      Injuries hampered Bumgarner in 2017 and '18, and they weren’t injuries that are long-term concerns -- a dirt bike accident in 2017 and a freak fracture in his left hand due to a comebacker in Spring Training in '18.

      As for last season, the D-backs liked what they saw from Bumgarner and believe that he is in the process of evolving as a pitcher. In talking with new pitching coach Matt Herges, who was the Giants' bullpen coach the past two seasons and worked closely with Bumgarner, the D-backs learned that Bumgarner is open to analytics, and they feel there are a few adjustments that could be made pitch-wise that would really help him.

      “I think the things we’re probably talking about are subtleties more than anything else,” general manager Mike Hazen explained. “But those subtleties sometimes make a big difference.”

      What was the structure of the Bumgarner deal? He’s only making $6 million next year?
      -- Seth D., San Francisco

      Bumgarner made it clear that he wanted to pitch for the D-backs, but even more importantly, he wanted the team to be competitive. So, in making their proposal to him, the team asked him to take less money in 2020.

      Instead of receiving $17 million in each of the five years of the deal, Bumgarner gets $6 million in 2020, $19 million in '21, $23 million in '22 and '23 and $14 million in '24. By paying Bumgarner $6 million next year, the D-backs have more money to spend to make the team better for 2020.

      After next year, the organization has a lot of money coming off the books -- Nick Ahmed, David Peralta, Jake Lamb and Robbie Ray become free agents, as will Yasmany Tomas, who is making $17 million in 2020. That gives the D-backs room to pay Bumgarner more from 2021-23.

      What is the health status of Ketel Marte?
      -- Joann D., Phoenix

      Exams early in the offseason showed the stress reaction in Marte's back healing. As it stands right now, there is no reason to think he won’t be a full go when Spring Training opens.

      When do pitchers and catchers report?
      -- Katie M., Chicago

      The D-backs' report day is not really important for fans because “reporting” simply means that a player lets the club know that he is in town. They don’t actually show up to the ballpark, so there’s nothing for fans to watch. The first pitchers/catchers workout of the spring will be on Feb. 11, and the first full-squad workout will be Feb. 17. The D-backs' workouts will once again be open to the public on the back diamonds at Salt River Fields.

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      Senior Reporter Steve Gilbert has covered the D-backs for MLB.com since 2001.