This time, the deal didn’t fall through
The Arizona Diamondbacks worked out a last-minute trade for Seattle Mariners starter Mike Leake, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Mike Leake goes to dbacks
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2019
Infield prospect Jose Caballero is going to Seattle, according to Nick Piecoro of AZ Republic.
High-A infielder Jose Caballero is the prospect going to the Mariners for Mike Leake, according to a source.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) July 31, 2019
Leake, 31, was drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft by the Reds. He made his debut in 2010 and was traded to the Giants in 2015. At the end of the season, he signed with the Cardinals, and was traded from them to the Mariners in 2017.
While he’s never been an All-Star or Cy Young, Leake has been a reliable pitcher who can be counted on to pitch in a tough situation. In 22 starts this year, Leake is 9-8 with a 4.40 ERA, allowing 78 runs on 153 hits in 137 innings while striking out 100 batters and walking just 19.
Greinke’s contract comes to an end after 2020 but there is a mutual option for 2021.
Arizona tried to acquire Leake from Seattle earlier this summer, but the deal fell through. Now, as they send Zack Greinke to Houston, they knew they could go back to Seattle to get the guy they’ve wanted for a while now.