The Diamondbacks are interested in Dontrelle Willis, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Agent Matt Sosnick told Piecoro that Arizona is "one of the places [Willis] would rather play." Willis would prefer to play for an NL team on the West Coast, but the Tigers, who designated the lefty for assignment, still have some say in where he goes. They have discussed a trade with the Diamondbacks, who are interested in Willis as a starter.
The Tigers have about a week to determine Willis' future. They could trade him, release him, or put him on waivers. If the D'Backs trade for Willis, the Tigers will pay the vast majority of his $12MM salary. Willis, 28, has a 4.98 ERA this year with 6.9 K/9 and 6.0 BB/9. He never found his control in parts of three seasons with the Tigers, but a return to the NL could help the former Rookie of the Year.
As bad as the D-Backs pitching has been you couldn’t do any worse signing Dontrelle Willis .Why not take a chance?
i can’t see anyone paying a dime over what he is due from ML minimum, but Arizona could certainly give him a try if the Tigers release him.
As far as bad contract swaps. Willis is due the remaining portion of 12M this year, then walks. not sure who else has one that bad for just the year. Tigers are already eating Nate Robertson’s 10m, who is pitching for the marlins this year and can’t see them doing anything there, but would like to see him back in the “teal and gold” once again to see if he can find himself.
I don’t understand why anybody is interested in this guy. What use is a guy who throws 87 MPH and walks as many hitters as he strikes out, with only an average groundball rate?
The Dbacks considering bringing a lefty to the team? No way.
If you’re not in contention, don’t expect to be this year, and won’t be paying anything for him … sure why not.