The Arizona Diamondbacks are taking steps towards contention.
Last week, the team agreed to terms with slugger Evan Longoria on a one-year contract.
On Wednesday, Arizona made a move to strengthen their pitching staff, bringing back a key veteran pitcher in right-hander Zach Davies.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network was the first to report the news of the signing on Twitter.
Heyman reports that Davies’ new deal with the D’Backs is for one year and is worth $5 million plus an addition $3 million in incentives.
The veteran right-hander was drafted in the 26th round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2011 and made his debut with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015.
Before his stop in Arizona, Davies briefly pitched with the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs.
Zach Davies to Dbacks. $5M plus $3M incentives
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 4, 2023
Davies proved to be a solid pickup for the D’Backs last season, posting a 4.09 ERA in 27 starts.
His record was 2-5, but he still managed to log 134.1 innings and make drastic improvements from a forgettable 2021 season in which he posted a 5.87 ERA with the Cubs.
With most of the big-name free agents signed, the market is pretty picked over, but with this move, the starting pitcher’s market may start to become more active, with names such as Michael Wacha, Mike Minor, and Anibal Sanchez still out on the market.
Davies brings some key veteran experience to a young Arizona team that is looking to take the next step in 2023.
Arizona finished with a 74-88 record in 2022, but with young stars such as Seth Beer and Corbin Carroll emerging, things may be looking up for the Snakes.
NEXT: The Diamondbacks Are Quietly Getting Stronger