Well, at least it’s not the Dodgers.
Three-time World Series champion Madison Bumgarner is signing a five-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks as first reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal is worth $85 million with $15 million deferred according to Ken Rosenthal.
Bumgarner to #Dbacks, five years, $85M, $15M deferred, sources tell The Athletic. First with agreement: @JeffPassan.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 15, 2019
BREAKING: Left-hander Madison Bumgarner and the Arizona Diamondbacks are nearing a five-year deal, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 15, 2019
Though the rumored move to LA would’ve been undoubtably worse for Giants fans, Bumgarner signing with an NL West rival is still a tough pill to swallow. Bumgarner, 30, has spent his entire 11 year career in Orange and Black up to this point, after being selected with the 10th overall pick in 2007.
The Giants will face the D-Backs for the first time next season in Arizona on March 30-April 1, and at April 6-9 at Oracle Park. It’s unlikely San Francisco will have to wait long to see the big lefty pitching against them.
The writing has been on the wall for a Bumgarner exit ever since last offseason, when rumors began swirling that the Giants would look to trade the four-time All-Star instead of letting him walk in free agency. San Francisco elected to hold onto both Bumgarner and closer Will Smith during an improbable playoff push around the deadline, one that didn’t ultimately bear fruit.
In addition to his titles, Bumgarner ends his Giants career as the best World Series pitcher of all time, with his 0.25 ERA standing as the best mark in MLB history. Bumgarner won the World Series MVP award in 2014.