D-backs add pitcher Leake in deal with Seattle

July 31st, 2019

The D-backs acquired right-hander Mike Leake from the Mariners just before Wednesday’s Trade Deadline. Arizona also sent their top pitcher, Zack Greinke, to Houston, and picked up another righty, Zac Gallen, from Miami.

The D-backs sent Minor League infielder José Caballero to Seattle.

The 31-year-old Leake is a 10-year veteran who has made nearly 300 starts for the Reds, Giants, Cardinals and Mariners, since Cincinnati made him the eighth overall pick in the 2009 Draft out of Arizona State.

The former Sun Devil posted a 4.40 ERA in 22 outings for Seattle this season, with 100 strikeouts and just 19 walks in 137 innings. It’s been an up-and-down year for Leake, as shown in back-to-back starts he made earlier this month against the Angels. On July 12, he was knocked out in the first inning and allowed seven runs on eight hits. On July 19, he took a perfect game into the ninth inning and ultimately spun a one-hit shutout.

Leake has a $16 million salary this season, with the Cardinals picking up $5 million of that tab. He is owed $15 million next year (minus $4 million owned by St. Louis), then has an $18 million mutual option with a $5 million buyout for the 2021 season.