Diamondbacks extend relief pitcher Brad Ziegler

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Brad Ziegler has agreed to a multi-year extension with the team, according to the pitcher himself, who tweeted the news on Friday afternoon.

Just agreed to an extension with the @Dbacks! Really excited to stay in Arizona for a couple more years, at least!

— Brad Ziegler (@BradZiegler) December 20, 2013

The Diamondbacks announced the deal, adding that it allows both sides to avoid arbitration. Their commitment to the side-armed throwing Ziegler isn’t surprising, given his effective stint with the team over the last three seasons. Since being acquired by the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline in 2011, Ziegler has pitched 162.1 innings, compiling a 2.10 ERA while leading baseball in groundball rate each season.

He’s happy to be staying with the team and happy it was finished before next week.

“I’m ecstatic! Glad we could work this out before the holidays — it’s a nice Christmas present,” Ziegler said via text.

In 2013, Ziegler filled in at the back end of the Diamondbacks bullpen, getting 13 saves in 15 opportunities and assuming the closer role for most of the second half of the season, appearing in 78 games while going 8-1.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the financials of Ziegler’s contract following the player’s tweet.

Ziegler two-year deal with #DBacks worth $10.5M guaranteed. $4.5M, $5.5M, $1M buyout or $5.5M option.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 20, 2013

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