When the Arizona Diamondbacks signed starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner to a five-year, $85 million contract during the 2019-20 off-season, they hoped to land an ace to help them get back into the playoffs. But he came nowhere close to achieving his previous level of performance with the San Francisco Giants. After three down seasons from 2020 through 2022, he’s pitched to a disastrous 10.26 ERA in four starts this year. The Diamondbacks have now designated him for assignment, despite owing him a massive amount of money. Should the Giants claim him, given he’s available for the minimum? Or is his poor pitching completely beyond repair?
The Giants and Madison Bumgarner History
Bumgarner Was a Legendary Giant
Were Bumgarner to reunite with the team where he won three championships, it’s doubtful that fans would even look at his numbers. The entire fanbase would be brimming over with excitement. At the very least, such a move would bring fans to the ballpark in more significant numbers to see a spark of the good old times.
MadBum was absolutely lights-out when in his prime. Without him, the Giants could not have had such incredible success in the postseason. His five-inning save in the 2014 World Series on two days’ rest goes down in history. He was not a guy hitters wanted to face in October or at any time.
At the plate, Bumgarner could hit. For a pitcher, he was a home run hitter. Unfortunately, his hitting days are over due to the universal DH rule. So it is really beyond the point to talk about his offence, but I just thought I should briefly bring it up. Aside from his on-field performance, Bumgarner was a great clubhouse leader and team mentor. He brought something irreplaceable to the team’s morale. Overall, there was no MLB player quite like Bumgarner.
Current Struggles Would Be a Concern
However, if the Giants claim Bumgarner and he doesn’t improve how he has been pitching over the past few years, they will not be in a good spot. Whatever may be said about his past excellence won’t apply if his good days are over. Whatever feelings and emotions dictate, the front office should not go that route if acquiring Bumgarner is not the right call.
And his horrendous start to 2023 is not at all encouraging. He isn’t just underperforming. He’s horrible. And that does not bode well for the Giants, given that their rotation must be one of their critical strengths for them to contend.
The Solution
The answer to this question may be surprising. Claiming Bumgarner might be a good option for the Giants, yet he should not pitch out of the rotation. Few would allow this to cross their minds, but Bumgarner should return to San Francisco and try a move to the bullpen.
Financially, it would be a low-risk move, as he is currently available for the minimum salary. The Giants won’t have to break their pocket, and if Bumgarner does not work out, he can easily be disposed of. The risk lies in the trust level the Giants would potentially assign him. He would join the bullpen as a leverage option and throw critical innings. But it’s not like other bullpen members haven’t blown games already. It might not be too crazy of an idea to give MadBum a chance. So I’d suggest the Giants claim him.
Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
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