D-backs avoid arbitration with Brad Ziegler with two-year contract with club option for 2016

PHOENIX - The Arizona Diamondbacks (@dbacks) have avoided arbitration and agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Brad Ziegler (@BradZiegler) on a two-year contract with a club option for 2016, according to D-backs Executive Vice President & General Manager Kevin Towers.

Ziegler, 34, is the D-backs' all-time leader in ERA (min. 50 games) with a 2.29 ERA in 177 games, ahead of J.J. Putz (2.40), Randy Johnson (2.83), Will Harris (2.91) and Curt Schilling (3.14). Among all relievers since 2008, Ziegler is one of five with 400-plus appearances while his 401 appearances are tied for third-most and his 2.40 ERA is tied for 10th-best. He is one of 17 active relievers with at least 100 relief outings and a sub-2.50 ERA.

Last season with the D-backs, Ziegler set career highs in wins, saves and games and fell 0.1 inning shy of matching his career high 73.1 frames in 2009. In 78 games in 2013, he went 8-1 with 13 saves (15 opp.) and a 2.22 ERA (18 ER in 73.0 IP) while posting a .228 opponents average with 22 walks and 44 strikeouts.

Over parts of 6 seasons with the Oakland Athletics (2008-11) and D-backs (2011-present), he is 25-15 with 32 saves (46 opp.), a 2.40 ERA (105 ER in 393.2 IP) and .246 opponents average with 140 walks and 255 strikeouts.

The D-backs' 40-man roster is at 38.