Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks All Time 25 Man Roster

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Arizona Diamondbacks are going to enter their 20th season next year, the team has already established a proud history. Their all time 25 man roster, housing some of the best players to play the game, would be quite formidable as well.

The Arizona Diamondbacks may have been an expansion team in 1998, but those typical expansion struggles did not last long. The very next season, the Diamondbacks won 100 games, winning the National League West and making the playoffs. Just two years later, in their fourth year of existence, the Diamondbacks won the World Series, toppling the dynastic New York Yankees in seven games.

While Arizona has not been able to reach those heights again, they remained competitive throughout much of the 2000’s. They remained in contention for most of the decade, making the postseason twice more during that decade, and adding another playoff berth in 2011. Five trips to the postseason in under two decades as a franchise, along with a World Series title, is certainly commendable. After all, that is more postseason success than a few teams could lay claim to.

Even though the past couple of years have been a struggle, the past cannot be taken away. Those titles, both in division and in the World Series, will fly forever. Likewise, the memories of those stellar players who wore a Diamondbacks uniform will remain in our memories.

Who are the best players ever to play for the Arizona Diamondbacks? Let us take a trip down memory lane, and look at the past and present as we create the Diamondbacks all time 25 man roster.

Catcher: Miguel Montero (2006-2014)

During his run with the Arizona Diamondbacks, there was little that Miguel Montero could not do. A catcher with a decent amount of pop and a good arm, Montero was a key piece to the Diamondbacks success in his days in the desert.

A two time All Star, Montero hit double digit home runs in six of his nine years with the Diamondbacks, failing to do so only in the years that he was a part time option. He also had five seasons with 20 or more doubles, giving Arizona another solid bat towards the bottom of their lineup.

Over those nine seasons, Montero produced a solid .264/.342/.421 batting line, hitting 97 home runs and 172 doubles. Montero was also a solid postseason performer, getting eight hits in 27 at bats, hitting two doubles and driving in two more runs.

Behind the plate, Montero was just as solid. He led the league with a 40% caught stealing rate in 2011, and his solid arm put him in the top five in assists four times. Montero also led the league in putouts twice, and in double plays (12 in 2014) and runs saved (10 in 2011) once each.

One of the few catchers who could get the job done at the plate, as well as behind it, Miguel Montero has already established himself as the best catcher in Arizona Diamondbacks history. Still active, a possible return to Arizona would only help add to his place in team history.

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

First Base: Paul Goldschmidt (2011-present)

Already one of the greatest players in Arizona Diamondbacks history, Paul Goldschmidt appears destined to become the best player ever to play for the franchise.

His resume is already quite impressive. Goldschmidt has made four consecutive All Star appearances, finished second in the MVP award twice, and has won two Silver Slugger awards. Given his youth, and his continued progression, he may add to those numbers in the coming seasons.

One of the few first basemen with speed, Goldschmidt had four seasons with 20 or more home runs and four seasons with double digit steals. In his 2013 season, Goldschmidt led the National League with 36 home runs and 125 RBI as he recorded his first second place finish in the MVP vote. Overall with the Diamondbacks, he has produced a .299/.398/.525 batting line with 140 homers and 99 steals in his six year career.

Goldschmidt is not just an offensive force at first. A two time Gold Glove winner, he has saved 14 runs in his career. Three times in his six seasons, he has led the National League in putouts. The only time that he has not been amongst the top five in putouts, assists, and double plays in the past four seasons came in 2014, when he only played in 109 games due to injury.

A stellar player, Paul Goldschmidt is well on his way to becoming the greatest player in Diamondbacks history. Only 29 years old, he still has plenty of time left in his career.

Second Base: Jay Bell (1998-2002)

A solid player with a bit of pop, Jay Bell was one of the first players signed by the expansion Diamondbacks. He would go on to have his greatest seasons during his time in the desert.

His career best season came in 1999. During a year where the Diamondbacks surprisingly won 100 games, Bell was one of their stars. He produced a .289/.374/.557 batting line, slugging a career high 38 home runs and driving in over 100 runs for the only time in his career. Bell made the All Star Game, and finished 13th in the MVP balloting during that season.

While he never reached those numbers again, Bell had a solid run in Arizona. During his five seasons, he posted a .263/.355/.458 batting line with 91 home runs and 116 doubles. He hit 20 or more homers twice, and had four seasons with 20 or more doubles. Had he not been injured in 2002, his numbers could have been even better.

A former Gold Glove shortstop, and the player who ended Ozzie Smith‘s 13 year run as the Gold Glove winner, Bell transitioned to second for the Diamondbacks. He did not have that same level of success defensively, costing the team 12 runs on defense. Bell was also below average in regards to virtually every fielding metric, but the Diamondbacks needed to find a way to get his bat into the lineup.

Remembered fondly for scoring the World Series winning run, Jay Bell had some of the best years of his career with the Diamondbacks. A solid offensive middle infielder, he ranks as the best second baseman in team history.

Third Base: Matt Williams

One of the original members of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Matt Williams was one of the early stars in franchise history.

He may not have been the same slugger he was for the Giants, but Williams still had plenty of pop in his bat. During that stellar 1999 season, Williams was a force at the plate, producing a .303/.344/.536 batting line with 35 homers and 37 doubles. He made his final All Star Game that year, and finished third in the National League MVP vote.

Williams would deal with injuries after that year and never again reach those heights. However, he still had a solid six year run with the Diamondbacks, hitting at a .278/.327/.471 clip with 99 home runs and 127 doubles. Most of his damage was done during his first two years in the desert however, as Williams only averaged 76 games in his final four seasons.

A four time former Gold Glove winner, Williams was not the same third baseman defensively with Arizona. However, he was still quite solid, saving the Diamondbacks 21 runs during his six seasons. In 1998, Williams led the league with a 3.04 range factor per nine innings, and finished third with eight runs saved. Time may have sapped some of his skills, but Williams was still a solid defensive presence.

An original Diamondback, Matt Williams was one of the first stars in team history. A key piece to their incredible 1999 campaign, he helped foster that winning atmosphere right from the beginning.

Shortstop: Stephen Drew (2006-2012)

These days, Stephen Drew is known for having a surprising amount of power for a player whose offensive skills are considered to be lacking. However, during his time in Arizona, Drew was a formidable threat in the batter’s box.

Drew was never an All Star while he was with the Diamondbacks, but he was relatively good at almost everything. He had three seasons with double digit home runs, and he had 20 or more doubles five times. Drew even had a bit of speed, stealing ten bases in 2010, as he appeared to be hitting his peak.

While he production would start to go downhill from that point, leading to his eventual trade to the A’s. Overall, though, Drew was a solid player for the Diamondbacks, producing a .266/.328/.436 batting line. He hit 72 home runs and 176 doubles, while contributing 52 triples and 33 steals. His overall batting line may have only been worth an OPS+ of 96, but he was a relatively decent hitter.

Although considered a glove first player at this point in his career, Drew has been a bit below average defensively throughout his time in the Majors. His time with the Diamondbacks was no different, as he cost the team 13 runs defensively and has been below average in regards to range factor. Drew, however, consistently ranked amongst the leaders in fielding percentage, as he was able to make plays on the balls he could get to.

More of a steady player than a standout, Stephen Drew was a consistent presence in all aspects of the game. He may not have been a star, but he was a good player who did the right things to help a team win.

Right Field – Justin Upton (2007-2012)

Justin Upton made his debut with the Diamondbacks at just 19 years old. During his first few years, he looked like he could be the team’s next superstar.

Upton certainly began strong. He made two All Star Games by the time he was 23 years old, and finished fourth in the 2011 MVP vote. That season, he produced a .289/.369/.529 slash line, hitting 31 homers and stealing 21 bases. A Silver Slugger that year, Upton appeared to be scratching the surface of the player he would become.

Instead, he never built on that promising start. After slumping the next year, Upton was traded to the Braves for a package of prospects. Still, he made an impact upon the Diamondbacks during his time in Arizona, producing an overall .278/.357/.475 batting line with 108 homers and 80 steals. He was a true all around threat on offense, capable of taking anyone over the fence, or stealing a base at a key point in the game.

Although Upton did not win a Gold Glove award during his tenure in Arizona, the case could be made that he deserved consideration. He led the National League in errors as an outfielder three times, but between 2009 and 2010, Upton was worth 39 runs saved defensively. Despite what his error total may indicate, Upton was a better player in the field than one would have thought.

Now on his third team in four years, Justin Upton has become a solid player capable of delivering solid power with a bit of speed. While he has yet to live up to his potential from his younger days, he was still the best right fielder the Diamondbacks have had in their history.

Center Field: Steve Finley (1999-2004)

One of eight players in MLB history with 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases, Steve Finley is also one of two players to have at least 300 homers, 425 doubles, and 100 triples while stealing at least 300 bases. The other is Willie Mays. Nonetheless, even with that impressive resume, Finley received four votes for the Hall of Fame in his one year on the ballot.

Perhaps that is not a surprise, as Finley was typically overlooked throughout his career. He made two All Star Games, including one in Arizona in 2000, when he produced a .280/.361/.544 batting line with 35 home runs. Even then, Finley only had one plate appearance in the All Star Game, hitting an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth.

It did not help that Finley played during the height of the Steroid Era, making his numbers seem relatively pedestrian. In his six years with the Diamondbacks, Finley produced a .278/.351/.500 batting line, hitting 153 home runs and stealing 70 bases. Those numbers were certainly stellar, but during his time in the desert, Finley only appeared on the leaderboard twice, both of which were for triples.

Finley did receive recognition for his excellent defense however. A three time Gold Glove winner for the Diamondbacks, he was worth 29 runs saved in center. He was not typically amongst the league leaders in any defensive category, but he was a steady presence, capable of making a play on any ball he got to.

One of the more underappreciated players during his career, Steve Finley had an excellent career. His time with the Arizona Diamondbacks helped him join quite the exclusive company of all around threats with the bat, allowing him to rub elbows with some of the all time greats.

Left Field: Luis Gonzalez (1999-2006)

After his bloop single in Game Seven of the 2001 World Series plated Jay Bell with the winning run for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Luis Gonzalez would never have to purchase another drink in Arizona.

But he was so much more than that one moment. He led the National League with 206 hits in his first season with the Diamondbacks in 1999, and two years later, slugged 57 home runs. Gonzalez would never reach those heights again, but he hit over 25 home runs in five consecutive years and had over 40 doubles four times.

A five time All Star with the Diamondbacks, Gonzalez finished third in the MVP ballot in 2001. He was an impressive hitter with Arizona, hitting at a .298/.391/.529 rate with 224 home runs and 310 doubles. Even with that power, Gonzalez had an impressive batting eye, drawing 650 walks and 580 strikeouts in 5246 plate appearances.

Gonzalez was also a solid defensive player in his younger days. Although he ended his time in Arizona having cost the Diamondbacks 11 runs in left, he had been one of the better left fielders in the game during the early part of his time in the desert. He led the National League with 19 runs saved. He led the National League in putouts in left from 1999 through 2001, and even as his range began to deteriorate, he still had a strong arm.

Possibly the greatest hitter in Arizona Diamondbacks history, Luis Gonzalez was a force in the middle of their lineup. It was only fitting that he would deliver the game winning hit in the Diamondbacks World Series victory.

And now, on to the bench.

Backup catcher: Damian Miller (1998-2002)

A late bloomer who did not get a chance as an everyday player until he was already 29 years old, Damian Miller made the most of his opportunities with the Diamondbacks.

Acquired from the Minnesota Twins with the 47th pick of the expansion draft, Miller spent most of his first year with Arizona as the backup catcher. After being part of a time share in 1999, he entered the starting lineup to stay in 2000. Given that opportunity to play more frequently, Miller displayed solid power and a decent eye at the plate.

An All Star in 2002, Miller had four seasons with double digit home runs and hit over 20 doubles twice. Overall with the Diamondbacks, he produced a .269/.336/.437 batting line with 48 home runs and 98 doubles. He was about average in making contact and drawing a walk, and his line drive swing made him a solid piece at the bottom of the lineup.

More of a defensive presence as a catcher, Miller was worth 14 runs saved for the Diamondbacks. He was one of the best at catching opposing baserunners, ranking in the top five four times in regards to runners thrown out. Miller led the National League in range factor for a catcher twice, and if he played more often, may have been in consideration for a Gold Glove.

A solid catcher, Damian Miller had a solid career with the Diamondbacks. A defensive specialist, he was a key part of their early success.

Corner Infielder: Mark Reynolds (2007-2010)

Primarily a third baseman during his time with the Diamondbacks, Mark Reynolds would see occasional action at other positions to keep his bat in the lineup. A first baseman now, he would be the perfect fit as a backup corner infielder.

Even in his days with the Diamondbacks, Reynolds displayed his tremendous power, which came at a cost. While he would rank amongst the league leaders in home runs, Reynolds also led the National League in strikeouts for three consecutive years, striking out over 200 times each year. He did, however, hit over 25 home runs each season, with a high of 44 homers in 2009.

When he made contact, Reynolds was a solid hitter. He produced a .242/.334/.483 batting line, hitting 121 home runs and stealing 41 bases. Although Reynolds also struck out 767 times in 1982 at bats, he did draw 260 walks. However, his all or nothing swing was not made to make contact and put the ball in play.

Mediocre defensively, Reynolds cost the Diamondbacks 17 runs during his time at third. He was around league average in terms of range factor, and he did rank second in putouts in 2010. Reynolds, while he had his adventures at third, was not entirely a disaster at the position.

Mark Reynolds was the ultimate boom or bust player at the plate. His tremendous power deserves a place on this squad’s bench.

Utility Infielder: Craig Counsell (2000-2003, 2005-2006)

A solid player who could play anywhere in the infield, Craig Counsell was the type of player that winning ballclubs loved to have on their roster.

Counsell may not have had much power in his bat, but he was quite adept at making contact. During his six seasons with the Diamondbacks, he displayed his impressive batting eye, walking more than he struck out in three of those seasons. He had over 20 doubles three times, and developed a bit of speed during his time in Arizona, with three seasons of double digit steals.

Despite a .266/.348/.357 batting line that resulted in an OPS+ of 80, Counsell was still a valuable bat to have in the lineup. He hit 106 doubles and stole 68 bases, making him valuable at the bottom of the lineup. He could also handle the second spot in the order if need be, given his impressive contact skills. In 2299 at bats, Counsell only struck out 294 times.

Counsell was also quite useful defensively. Perhaps the truest definition of a utility infielder, Counsell spent most of his time at third, second or short, but he did also make a few appearances at first. No matter where he was needed, he was able to fill in and play solid defense, allowing the Diamondbacks to rest their starters without much of a drop in production.

A member of two World Series winning franchises, Craig Counsell was the type of players that contending teams needed. He certainly provided plenty of value for the Diamondbacks.

Outfield: Chris Young (2006-2012)

In his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chris Young was quite the dynamic player, hitting for power and showing excellent speed on the basepaths.

Young had six full seasons in Arizona, and had double digit home runs and stolen bases in five of them. During four of those seasons, Young hit 20 or more home runs. He also stole over 20 bases three times. During his All Star season in 2010, he just missed joining the 30-30 club, hitting 27 home runs and stealing 28 bases.

Even though Young’s .239/.318/.437 batting line may not have been impressive, he was still an exciting player. He hit 132 home runs and 198 doubles, while stealing 112 bases. However, much like Mark Reynolds, Young’s effectiveness was hampered by his tendency to strike out, as he whiffed in 814 of his 3173 at bats.

Although he struggled defensively during his first couple of seasons in Arizona, Young developed into a solid outfielder. After costing the Diamondbacks 18 runs in his first two full seasons, Young ended up being worth nine runs saved overall in center. In 2010, he led National League center fielders in putouts and double plays. The following year, Young led the league in runs saved as an outfielder.

Chris Young had a nice blend of power and speed, but he was hindered by his inability to make consistent contact. However, he was still quite the exciting player when he would get on his occasional hot streaks.

Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Outfield: A.J. Pollock (2012-present)

The Arizona Diamondbacks miserable 2016 campaign happened for a lot of reasons, not all of which are the result of A.J. Pollock being injured. However, his injury problems did not help.

When he is on the field, Pollock has established himself as a dynamic player. He produced a .315/.367/.498 batting line with 20 home runs and 39 stolen bases in 2015, making the All Star Game and finishing 14th in the MVP vote. However, he missed a great deal of the 2014 and 2016 campaigns, breaking his hand in 2014 and breaking his elbow on the final day of Spring Training last year.

Overall, Pollock has produced a solid .293/.346/.461 batting line, hitting 39 home runs and 90 doubles. He has stolen 70 bases in 85 attempts, giving the Diamondbacks another power and speed option in the middle of their lineup. Although that power really began to manifest in 2015, there is no reason to expect that it will not be there in the future.

Pollock has also been a solid defensive player. A Gold Glove winner in 2015, he has been worth 27 runs saved in center, while providing solid defense in right and left when asked to fill in those positions. In 2015, he led National League center fielders in putouts, and ranked second with 15 runs saved.

An excellent player when healthy, those injuries may be all that keeps Pollock from reaching his full potential. If he can remain healthy, Pollock could climb into the starting lineup within a couple of years.

And now, let’s look at the pitching staff.

Starting Pitcher: Randy Johnson (1999-2004, 2007-2008)

Randy Johnson may be best remembered for his time with the Seattle Mariners, but he had his greatest run of success with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He was already considered one of the best pitchers in the game at the time, but with the Diamondbacks, he began the process of being one of the all time greats. Not only did he make four consecutive All Star Games, but he won four consecutive Cy Young awards. He led the league in strikeouts in each of those seasons, and five times overall. Johnson also led the National League in complete games and ERA three times. Johnson won over 20 games twice as well, and finished second in the Cy Young on one other occasion.

Although he was not as successful in his second run with the Diamondbacks, Johnson’s first stint was the stuff of legends. He posted an overall record of 118-62, with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.068 WHiP. In his 1630.1 innings, Johnson struck out 2077 batters. His command, which had formerly been problematic, had been greatly approved by this time, as he walked only 416 batters.

While he would never be remembered as a great hitter, Johnson had his moments at the plate as well. He hit his only career home run in 2003, taking Doug Davis out of the yard. Johnson even hit 13 doubles, giving him some value at the dish.

One of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, Randy Johnson was easily the greatest pitcher in the history of the Diamondbacks. The Big Unit came up huge for Arizona as they built themselves into contention.

Starting Pitcher: Brandon Webb (2003-2009)

Brandon Webb appeared to be destined for stardom, until a shoulder injury suddenly ended his career.

Webb exploded on the baseball map in 2006. After three relatively successful seasons, he emerged as one of the best young pitchers in baseball, leading the National League with 16 wins and three shutouts. He made his first All Star Game, and won the Cy Young award that year. Webb would finish second in the Cy Young vote in each of the following two seasons, both of which he made the All Star squad.

Then, disaster struck in his first start of 2009. Tabbed as the Diamondbacks Opening Day starter, Webb allowed six runs in four innings. That would be the last game that he would pitch, as he underwent shoulder surgery that ended his season. A second surgery kept him out for all of 2010, and after signing as a free agent with the Texas Rangers, Webb needed a third surgery on the same shoulder. Webb attempted another comeback late in 2012, but the pain returned, leading to his retirement.

In just six full seasons, Webb made quite the impact upon the Diamondbacks. He posted an 87-62 record with a 3.29 ERA and a 1.239 WHiP. In 1319.2 innings, Webb struck out 1065 batters. The command issues that appeared in 2004 went away, as he walked only 435 batters in his career. He appeared destined to lead the Diamondbacks pitching staff into the 2010’s, only to have his shoulder give out.

In asking what could have been with the Diamondbacks, one has to start with Brandon Webb. A pitcher who was in the middle of his prime, and was one of the best young arms in the game, was cut down by injury seemingly at the height of his talent.

Starting Pitcher: Curt Schilling (2000-2003)

He may have spent only three and a half seasons with the Diamondbacks, but Curt Schilling made an impact upon the franchise’s history.

In teaming up with Randy Johnson, he gave Arizona quite the 1-2 punch atop the rotation. He made two All Star Games, and finished second to Johnson twice in the Cy Young vote. In 2001, Schilling led the National League in wins, innings, and complete games. The following year, Schilling won 23 games, and led the league with a 0.968 WHiP.

As great as he was in the regular season, Schilling shined in the 2001 World Series. Teaming with Johnson, he had a 1.69 ERA and a 0.656 WHiP, striking out 26 batters in 21.1 innings. His dominance, along with Johnson’s, earned them co-MVP honors for the World Series.

Schilling had the best stretch of his borderline Hall of Fame career with Arizona. Overall, he posted a 58-28 record, with a 3.14 ERA and a 1.036 WHiP. He struck out 875 batters with only 117 walks in 781.1 innings, giving him an impressive 7.48 strikeout to walk rate.

While Curt SChilling may be remembered for his time with the Red Sox or the Phillies, he actually had his best seasons in Arizona. This performance helped bring Schilling to the periphery of the Hall of Fame instead of being just another good pitcher.

Starting Pitcher: Dan Haren (2008-2010)

He may have spent under three seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but Dan Haren gave the team everything they could have hoped for, short of a postseason appearance.

Acquired in a trade from the Oakland A’s, he teamed up with Brandon Webb to give the Diamondbacks a solid 1-2 punch in 2008. He went 16-8 that year, making the All Star Game and leading the National League with a 5.15 strikeout to walk rate.

The following year, thrust into the role as the Diamondbacks staff ace after Webb’s injury, he pitched even better, although his record may not indicate as such. He was only 14-10, but led the league with a 1.003 WHiP and a 5.87 strikeout to walk rate. Once again, Haren made the All Star Game, and he finished fifth in the Cy Young vote.

He struggled in the beginning part of the 2010 season, and was traded to the Angels, but Haren had already made his mark as one of the best pitchers in Diamondbacks history. Overall, he posted a 37-26 record with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.132 WHiP, striking out 570 batters in 586.1 innings. He may not have been the typical ace, but Haren certainly pitched well enough when put into that situation.

A solid pitcher who had some of his best years in the desert, Dan Haren was the perfect complement to Webb in the rotation. Unfortunately, they only had one season together as the Diamondbacks plans went for naught.

Starting Pitcher: Ian Kennedy (2010-2013)

Ian Kennedy had been a top prospect for the New York Yankees, but never had much of a chance to perform in the Bronx. Traded to the Diamondbacks, he showed flashes of being the pitcher that he was expected to become.

After struggling during his first season in Arizona, Kennedy put together a career best season. He led the National League with 21 wins, and had an .840 winning percentage. While Kennedy did not make the All Star Game, he finished fourth in the Cy Young balloting and earned votes for the MVP.

Although Kennedy would not perform at the same level again, he settled into a role as a valuable innings eater in the middle of the rotation. He pitched 194 or more innings in each of his full seasons with the Diamondbacks, taking the ball every fifth day with typically solid results.

During his time in Arizona, Kennedy produced a solid 48-34 record with a 3.82 ERA and a 1.231 WHiP, striking out 661 batters in 748.1 innings of work. He was just about league average for his tenure with the Diamondbacks, but there was quite a bit of value to his ability to take the ball every fifth day and keep the team in the game.

He may have not turned into the star that he was expected to become, but Ian Kennedy was still a valuable piece for the Diamondbacks during his time in the desert.

And now, on to the bullpen.

Closer: Byung-Hyun Kim (1999-2003)

Byung-Hyun Kim may be best remembered for his struggles during the 2001 World Series, but that does not take away from how good of a closer he had been for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

After serving as the Diamondbacks co-closer in 2000 and 2001, Kim took command of the role in 2002. He made his only All Star Game that year, finishing eighth in the league with 36 saves and fourth with 66 games finished. A rarity in that he was a hard throwing submariner, Kim could be a bit of an adventure on the mound at times, but was also incredibly effective when he was on.

The fact that Kim managed to have a somewhat successful run as closer is a bit surprising in its own right. He was hammered by the New York Yankees during the 2001 World Series, giving up key home runs that could have shaken anyone’s confidence. But he continued to pitch well in the regular season, although his postseason difficulties would continue.

During his time in Arizona, Kim recorded 70 saves to go along with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.204 WHiP. He allowed less than seven hits per nine innings, but his lack of command caused the occasional issue. However, Kim was typically able to work out of trouble, as he struck out 383 batters in 325.2 innings of work.

He may have been an adventure on the mound at times, but Byung-Hyun Kim was a solid closer and, during that one season in 2002, one of the better ones in the game.

Relief Pitcher: Jose Valverde (2003-2007)

It took a couple of years for Jose Valverde to take control of the closer job in Arizona, but once he did, he became one of the better closers in the game.

He did well in his stints as the closer, finishing second on the Diamondbacks in saves in his first two seasons before leading the team in 2005 and 2006. He struggled in 2006, and was eventually replaced as the closer by Jorge Julio, before taking the job back at the start of the 2007 campaign.

That year put him firmly in the conversation as one of the better closers in the National League. Valverde posted a 2.66 ERA and a 1.119 WHiP, recording a league leading 47 saves. He made his first All Star Game, and received votes for the Cy Young and MVP awards that year. Following the season, he was traded to the Astros, where he would continue to be a solid closer.

During his time with the Diamondbacks, Valverde recorded a team record 98 saves. It was not always pretty, but he did post a solid 3.29 ERA and a 1.173 WHiP, striking out 331 batters in 260 innings. Had he been given the job outright earlier in his career, there would have been no question that he would be the best reliever in team history.

An occasionally dominant closer who finally got a chance over the course of a full season at age 29, Jose Valverde was a pitcher that the Diamondbacks could rely upon late in the game. With so many teams having bullpen issues, it was certainly a comforting thought to know he was waiting to enter a close game.

Relief Pitcher: J.J. Putz (2011-2014)

A key free agent signing before the 2011 season, J.J. Putz was brought in to solidify the Diamondbacks bullpen. He did exactly that in his first couple of seasons in the desert.

Despite not making the All Star team or receiving any consideration for the Cy Young award, he was one of the better closers in the game for his first two seasons in Arizona. He recorded over 30 saves in both seasons, with a career high 45 saves in 2011. His swing and miss stuff, coupled with his excellent control, helped Putz give the Diamondbacks exactly what they needed in the ninth inning.

However, his time in Arizona, as well as his career, were cut short by injuries. He struggled to begin the 2013 campaign, and spent almost two months on the disabled list. In that time, Putz lost the closer job, but was still a a solid piece in the bullpen as a setup man. However, as injuries and ineffectiveness followed in 2014, he was designated for assignment on June 20, only to be released eight days later.

Overall, Putz had a successful run in the desert. He posted a 2.81 ERA and a 1.091 WHiP, recording 83 saves. He struck out 178 batters in 160.1 innings, issuing only 46 walks. During his two dominant seasons, Putz struck out nearly 5.5 batters for every walk he allowed, helping the Diamondbacks reach the postseason again in 2011.

For two years, Putz was exactly what the Diamondbacks needed. Had he not been injured, he may have lived up to his contract.

Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Pitcher: Brad Ziegler (2011-2016)

A reliever who filled any role he was asked, Brad Ziegler may be one of the more underrated relievers of this decade.

A soft tossing submariner who relies upon getting weak contact, Ziegler has gone from middle reliever to closer to setup man and back to closer several times. With J.J. Putz and Heath Bell struggling in 2013, Ziegler took over as the Diamondbacks closer, and recorded 13 saves. After spending the 2014 season in the setup role once again, as the Diamondbacks brought in Addison Reed, he took over again as closer in 2015.

That year, Ziegler had his best season of his career. He recorded 30 saves, posting a 1.85 ERA and a 0.956 WHiP. His command was close to perfect, as he walked a career low 17 batters, which led to a 2.3 walk per nine inning rate. Ziegler also allowed a career low 48 hits, keeping the opposition off balance with his arsenal.

Sent to the Red Sox prior to this year’s trade deadline, Ziegler made an impact upon the Diamondbacks. He recorded 66 holds and 62 saves, with a 2.49 ERA and a 1.144 WHiP. While he had only struck out 218 batters in his 335.2 innings, Ziegler remained effective due to his ability to generate consistently weak contact.

A free agent at the end of this season, Brad Ziegler could even be a potential part of the Diamondbacks future as they look to rebuild their bullpen. They certainly would know what they are getting with their former relief ace.

Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Pitcher: David Hernandez (2011-2015)

After struggling in two seasons with the Orioles as he shuffled between the starting rotation and the bullpen, David Hernandez found himself in Arizona.

A hard throwing righty, Hernandez slotted in well as one of the Diamondbacks setup men. Occasionally filling in as closer, he had 11 saves in his first season in Arizona, to go along with 23 holds. While he never hit that save total again in Arizona, he remained one of the top setup men in the game, striking out over a batter an inning.

Unfortunately, that success took a toll on his arm. Hernandez missed the entire 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery, and he was not quite as effective the following season. He still struck out close to a batter per inning, but was much more hittable, giving up 33 hits, and six home runs, in 33.2 innings.

Nonetheless, that final season in Arizona did nothing to damage his overall body of work. In his four seasons in Arizona, Hernandez posted a 3.54 ERA and a 1.143 WHiP, striking out 274 batters in 233.2 innings. He recorded 17 saves and 70 holds, providing the Diamondbacks solid pitching in the back of their bullpen.

One of the better setup men before he needed Tommy John surgery, David Hernandez was not the same pitcher afterwards. He was, however, one of the better relievers during his first three years in Arizona.

Relief Pitcher: Chad Qualls (2008-2010)

Chad Qualls time with the Arizona Diamondbacks can really be divided into two halves. His first two seasons were solid, while his final half season was quite forgettable.

During those first couple of seasons, Qualls served in a role similar to Brad Ziegler. He started off as the Diamondbacks setup man, then took over as their closer towards the end of the season, a role he would hold throughout 2009. That year, while he had his struggles at times, he notched a career high 24 saves in 29 opportunities.

The Diamondbacks closer again the following year, Qualls struggled. He recorded 12 saves, but had seven blown saves, eventually losing his job in the ninth inning. Arizona would eventually send him to the Rays, as Tampa Bay looked to upgrade their own bullpen for a postseason run.

Overall, Qualls was a solid reliever for the Diamondbacks. He posted a 4.34 ERA and a 1.314 WHiP, but those numbers are inflated due to his 8.29 ERA and 2.000 WHiP in 2010. Qualls had 45 saves and 25 holds, striking out 150 batters in 163.2 innings.

Chad Qualls was a solid reliever who, for his first two seasons in Arizona, provided the Diamondbacks with excellent relief. Let’s just ignore those struggles in 2010 as a blip on the radar.

Long reliever/spot starter: Miguel Batista (2001-2003, 2006)

During his 20 year career, Miguel Batista serves as a starter, a closer, and everywhere in between. That was the case for the Diamondbacks as well.