It gives them rotation depth to trade left-hander Robbie Ray, who is set to make close to $11 million in his final year before free agency. And moving Ray would open up a pair of avenues: One, they could then use the financial savings to plug other holes on the roster – namely, in the outfield – via free agency. And, two, the likely trade return for Ray in the form of prospects could make them more comfortable parting with prospects of their own to acquire an impact bat. Then again, with $15 million of Bumgarner’s contract deferred – which, presumably, makes it a $14 million annual hit for the club’s budget – the team could opt to keep Ray and would still have some $15 million or so to spend should it look to secure outfield help primarily on the open market.
Snake Bytes: Reactions to the D-backs signing Bumgarner
