Jordan Hamm
Two familiar faces in the Diamondback bullpen are moving on to new teams.
Left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin was the first to go when he was dealt to Chicago Cubs for cash considerations.
Then, just before the trade deadline, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Archie Bradley was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Stuart Fairchild and Josh VanMeter.
Chafin was dominant against left-handed batters and more than held his own against right-handed hitters in his seven years with the Diamondbacks. “The Sheriff” appeared in more than 60 games four times in his career. He has struggled in 2020 and is currently on the injured list with a strained finger.
Bradley was originally tabbed as a starter when the Diamondbacks drafted him in the 1st round of the 2011 MLB Draft. After a few years of being a fringe starter, Bradley transitioned to bullpen and was a dominant setup man during the Diamondbacks’ 2017 playoff run, appearing in 63 games and striking out 79 in 73 innings with an ERA of 1.73. He remained in the setup man role until the second half of 2019, when he took over closer duties. Since taking over, he’s earned 24 saves.
The Beard is now reunited with former Diamondback Trevor Bauer. Bradley was selected by the Diamondbacks in the 2011 MLB Draft with the 7th overall pick. The Snakes selected Bauer with the 3rd overall pick.
Fairchild is a minor league outfielder who hit .272 with 24 home runs and 134 RBI in three seasons. VanMeter, an outfielder, appeared in 95 games last year and hit .237 with 8 home runs and 23 RBI. In 38 plate appearances this year, VanMeter is hitting .059 with 16 strikeouts.
